Last updated on June 25th, 2020 at 11:12 pm

Last Updated on June 25, 2020 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins

This set of paper money, known as ‘Canadian Journey’, was the first to be wholly designed on a computer. In addition to this, it was also the first to illustrate some Canadian citizens of great importance, while one of the notes was proclaimed to be the ‘Bank Note of the Year’. What is also interesting about the set is the fact that the designer made sure that each of the bank notes contains symbols of national pride for Canadians.

The $5 Note

This note was issued in March 2002 and features a portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Next, to him, there is a vignette of the West Block of the Parliament Buildings. In the top right-hand corner, there is a Maple Leaf flag featured and this detail can be found on all notes in the series. When the back of the note is in question, it actually celebrates the ‘Children at Play’ theme. There are images of children playing hockey, skating, and tobogganing.

The $10 Note

Issued in January 2002, it was actually the first note in the series to be released. On this note, there is an image of Sir John A. Macdonald, who was also the first Prime Minister and beside him, there is a vignette of the Library of Parliament. On the back of the note, the theme Remembrance and Peacekeeping is illustrated. A veteran and two children are depicted while observing a cenotaph on Remembrance Day. In the centre of the note, a female Air Force officer is illustrated in a peacekeeping role.

The $20 Note

The $20 note was issued in September 2002 and there is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on it. On the back of the note, the theme Arts and Culture is depicted, inspired by the Haida culture of Canada’s northwest coast. There are illustrations of the First Men, Haida Grizzly Bear, the Spirit of Haida Gwaii and Mythic Messengers. This note won ‘Bank Note of the Year’ by the International Banknote Society, for 2005, which makes it even more special.

The $50 Note

First issued in November 2004, it features a portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King, who was the Prime Minister during WWII. In the centre of the note, there is an illustration of the Peace Tower. Nation Building is the theme which is illustrated on the back through a depiction of women who campaigned for social justice and equal rights. There is also a quotation from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The $100 Note

The note portrays Sir Robert Borden, who was also the Prime Minister and it was issued in March 2004. Next, to the portrait, there is an illustration of the East Block of the Parliament Buildings. On the back of this note, there are images of achievements in cartography and communications which represent the theme of Exploration and Innovation. In addition to this, there is also a quotation from Miriam Waddington’s poem, Jacques Cartier in Toronto.

The Remarkable ‘Canadian Journey’ Series

This series is quite special for Canada not only because it was the first to be designed wholly on a computer, but also because it was the first to depict important Canadian citizens. The designer had a really challenging job, but he performed it in an extraordinary way. He made sure not to leave out anything that should be celebrated and of what the Canadians are proud. It is true that our coins are highly interesting and have many details, but the same goes for our paper money. Each of these notes truly tells a story of its own.