Last Updated on March 10, 2023 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins

While the jingle of precious metals may have an irresistible appeal to those with a passion for money, coin collectors are not the only numismatists out there. Paper money enthusiasts are another group who experience the joys of preserving historical currency, but instead do so with large, colourful bank notes. Learn why Colonial Acres’ extensive selection of Canadian paper money is a great way to begin this fascinating hobby.

Why Become a Notaphilist

The practice of collecting banknotes has the official name of notaphily, and doing so gives you the right to refer to yourself as a proud notaphilist. This hobby has been around for almost as long as paper money itself, which the Chinese invented in A.D. 100. However, collecting it only gained popularity in the 1950s, when old and foreign currencies became more accessible to the average person. Today, more than 21 million North Americans collect paper money, and the numbers are growing as more people discover how delightful notaphily can be.

Some hobbyists collect bank notes primarily as an investment. In other words, they collect money to make money. Others do so for the thrill of hunting and acquiring rare or unusual currencies. No matter their primary motivation, however, all collectors can appreciate the colourful artistry of paper money that is not possible with coins. A collection of banknotes is like a tiny art gallery at your fingertips.

What You Need To Know

Collecting paper money is a learn-as-you-go activity that requires no special training. However, it is helpful to know how best to treat your first banknotes when they arrive. Here are a few guidelines for handling them:

• Wash your hands before touching paper money.
• Handle the bills with the same care that you would an old photograph or letter.
• Choose a location for handling them by considering where one would land if you were to accidentally drop it.
• Place paper money on a table for viewing rather than holding it for extended periods.

It is also helpful to know how best to store your paper money. A cigar or other special box in a cool, dry location is fine for temporary storage. However, most serious collectors protect their investment with a specialized album. Albums with Mylar sleeves are ideal because the plastic will not degrade and ruin the bills.

What Types of Canadian Paper Money To Start With

Old Canadian paper money is a great choice to start collecting. There are so many designs available that you can be choosy as to the specific topic or art style that most appeals to you. Here are a few categories to consider:

• Famous people – The goals of some notaphilists are to collect all the money with pictures of Canada’s prime ministers or of the Queen of England.
• Wildlife – One notable set of paper money is the 1986 Birds of Canada series, which features a different native bird on each denomination.
• Nature – The 1954 Canadian Landscape series depicts rural scenes from across Canada. Interestingly, some of these beautiful bills are rare because some people perceive a depiction of the devil’s face in Queen Elizabeth’s hairdo on the reverse side.
• Science – Some paper money pays tribute to Canadian innovations, such as the discovery of insulin, exploration of the Arctic, and invention of a robotic arm for space missions.

Why Choose Colonial Acres

Colonial Acres is a trusted name in numismatics with a wide variety of international and Canadian banknotes for sale. Browse our site and see which styles you find most appealing. If you enjoy the way a bill looks on your screen, just think how much more fascinating it will be in hand. Contact us with any questions you have about specific items, or for advice about starting your new collection.