Blog posts, History
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April 18, 2024
Lessons from the Great Depression
What the stock market crash of 1929 did was starkly reveal the weaknesses of economic systems that had evolved from the unregulated capitalism of the late 19th century. -
July 31, 2023
The Scenes of Canada series $100 bill
Few of us ever get a chance to see a Scenes of Canada $100 bill. Which is a pity, because it is an example of great bank note design with even greater imagery by a master engraver. -
November 14, 2022
The day Winnipeg was invaded
People on the street were randomly stopped and searched, and some were even arrested and imprisoned in an internment camp. Even German marks replaced Canadian currency in circulation—in the form of If Day propaganda notes. -
October 18, 2022
Positive notes
The imagery on the Bank of Canada’s 1935 note series depicts the country’s rich industrial history. -
June 16, 2022
Army bills: Funding the War of 1812
In 1812, British North America had no banks and little currency. With the prospect of war drying up supplies of coins, the government of Lower Canada decided to issue legal tender notes called “army bills” to pay for troops and supplies. -
February 3, 2022
Queen of the bank notes
Few of us have ever met her, and it’s likely none of us are even remotely related to her. Yet, Canadians have carried her picture in their wallets for generations now. She’s Queen Elizabeth II and has been our monarch for over 70 years. -
August 19, 2021
Fur Trade Economics
Over its 350-year lifespan, the Hudson’s Bay Company has had an enormous impact on Canada’s economy and how the nation was settled. -
June 11, 2020
Nominating an Icon for the Next $5 Bank Note
Using a Bank of Canada Museum lesson plan, nearly 200 students told us who they thought should be the bank NOTE-able Canadian on our new $5 bill. -
November 8, 2018
Money of the First World War
In Europe, gold and silver coins largely disappeared from circulation as they were hoarded or as governments used the metal for the war effort. -