This listing is for the photographed 1954 Canadian "Devil's Hair" Five Dollar Banknote. Issued in 1954, signed by Deputy Governor James Elliott Coyne and Governor Graham Ford Towers. Prefix C/C indicates that this is a change-over issue, meaning that shortly after this note was issued the signatures on future notes changed to Beattie-Coyne. P#68a (Pick Number 68a).
These notes were first printed following the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and were the first issues with her portrait. Shortly after the first prints were issued in 1954 citizens complained about the sinister looking shadows in the Queen's hairdo that appeared to depict a devilish face in its curls. These complaints birthed many conspiracies about the Queen that resulted in public outrage. By 1957 the issue was reprinted to remove the suggestive shadows.
This bill serves as a fascinating piece of Canadian and British history, making for an excellent addition to any collection!
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1954 Canadian 5 Dollar Banknote- Devil's Face Hairdo- Coyne/Towers Signatures, Prefix C/C- 1954 Five Dollar Devil's Hair Canada Note - P#68a