As Canadians, we often take our currency for granted. We pull out a toonie to pay for our morning coffee or swipe our debit cards without a second thought. But have you ever stopped to consider the value of an old Canadian $1 bill?
The answer ranges from $1 to $7000. We’ll see why in this article.
The Canadian $1 Bill History
The $1 bill has a rich history. The first $1 bill was printed in 1935, featuring a portrait of King George V. Since then, the bill has undergone several design changes, with notable figures such as Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, and Sir Robert Borden, the eighth Prime Minister of Canada, being featured on the front. The back of the bill has also undergone changes. It originally featured a beaver and later changing to feature the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. The last version of the bill was discontinued in 1989.
The $1 bill has cultural value. It serves as a tangible representation of Canada and its history, something that coins simply cannot replicate. The images and designs featured on the bill spoke to our country’s heritage and values. This makes it more than just a means of exchange.
The “Devil Faced” Dollar Bill Is Worth $3000 To $7000
There is a rare series of 1954 Canadian bills called “Devil’s Face” notes that were removed from circulation due to some people perceiving a devil-like appearance in the Queen’s hair depicted on the bills. These bills are very scarce. If you happen to have one in pristine condition, it could potentially be worth up to $7,000. It might be worth taking a look at any old dollar bills you have lying around. You never know what you might find. They look like the picture above.
The Price Of Some Canadian $1 Bills Can Reach Over $100
While the face value of a Canadian $1 bill is typically just $1, there are certain circumstances in which these bills can be worth significantly more. For example, some rare and collectible Canadian $1 bills can fetch prices of over $100. This is especially the case if they’re in a mint condition.
Some bills made from a steel print or litho are worth a little more. If you hold one, search your serial number on this site.
Other rare and collectible Canadian $1 bills include misprinted or error notes, specimen notes, and notes with low serial numbers. The value of these types of bills can vary widely depending on their rarity and condition. Some are worth much more than their face value.
With Regular Grading, Most Of These Bills Are Worth Around $3
While some Canadian $1 bills can be worth significantly more than their face value, the vast majority of these bills are worth just $1. However, there is a grading system that is also used to evaluate the condition of collectible currency. This affects the value of even a regular Canadian $1 bill.
Using this grading system, most Canadian $1 bills would be considered to be in “Fine” condition, which is a mid-range grade. A bill in Fine condition may have some wear, but it is still relatively crisp and retains most of its original detail. The value of a Canadian $1 bill in Fine condition is typically around $2 to $3.
It is important to note that the value of a bill can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the bill and the market demand for it. While the grading system provides a general guideline for determining the value of a bill, the actual value of a particular bill may be higher or lower than the grades suggest. If you are interested in collecting Canadian currency, it is a good idea to do some research and seek the advice of a reputable dealer or expert.
Check out our series on the most common dollar bills currently in circulation:
8 Things To Know About The Canadian $20 Bill
6 Things To Know About The Canadian $10 Bill
5 Things To Know About The Canadian $5 Bill
