1954 – Canada $5 Banknote – “Devil’s Face” Queen Elizabeth II Beattie-Coyne BCS Graded VF25

1954 – Canada $5 Banknote – “Devil’s Face” Queen Elizabeth II Beattie-Coyne BCS Graded VF25
CA$150.00

This 1954 Canadian $5 Banknote, certified Very Fine 25 by BCS (Banknote Certification Service Ltd.), is a genuine example of the famous “Devil’s Face” issue from the Bank of Canada. Catalogued as BC-31b, this note bears the Beattie-Coyne signature combination and features the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to appear on Canadian currency. The intricate engraving by George Gundersen (from a photograph by Yousuf Karsh) subtly included a shadow in Her Majesty’s hair, creating the illusion of a hidden face — an effect later removed in subsequent printings, making this variety highly collectible.

The obverse features the bilingual denomination “FIVE DOLLARS / CINQ DOLLARS” with red serial numbers, the Canadian Coat of Arms watermark area, and Queen Elizabeth II’s youthful portrait framed by crisp guilloché patterns.

The reverse presents an iconic northern wilderness scene — a detailed engraving of the Laurentian Mountains river landscape, symbolizing Canada’s vast natural beauty. Rendered in deep blue tones by the British American Bank Note Company Limited, this classic 1954 design remains one of the most admired issues in Canadian numismatics.

Certified and encapsulated by BCS for protection and authenticity, this mid-grade example displays strong color, light folds, and clean margins — an excellent choice for collectors seeking a genuine Devil’s Face example without the premium of uncirculated issues.

Details:

  • Country: Canada

  • Denomination: $5 (Five Dollars)

  • Date Issued: 1954

  • Catalog Number: BC-31b

  • Series: “Devil’s Face” Issue

  • Signatures: M. Beattie (Deputy Governor) & R. Coyne (Governor)

  • Printer: British American Bank Note Company Limited

  • Front Design: Queen Elizabeth II, bilingual denomination, red serials, Canadian Coat of Arms watermark area

  • Back Design: Northern wilderness river scene, Laurentian Mountains

  • Language: English and French

  • Serial Number: H/C5367810

  • Certification: BCS Very Fine 25

  • Holder Number: EZ940

  • Dimensions: Approx. 152 × 70 mm