Top 10 most valuable Canadian banknotes sold at auction in 2022
By thecanadiannumismatist | Thursday, December 1, 2022
Here's the Top 10 most valuable Canadian banknotes sold at auction in 2022 so far. Prices are in Canadian currency.
#1 - $71,100 - Bank of Canada 50 dollars 1935 - PCGS CUNC-64
In 1935, each denomination was issued in separate English and French (rarer and like this one) versions. Furthermore, this banknote is considered a special serial number note in the low number category.
It was reported in the CPMS note registry as AU in 2019, but it is now certified by PCGS CUNC-64 PPQ. This is the lowest serial on a $50 1935 french note known.
#2 - $53,325 - Dominion of Canada 1,000 dollars 1925 - LCG SP-64
Only 5 circulating $1,000 Dominion of Canada 1925 banknotes are known. Specimen known examples is not determined.
#3 - $46,500 - Bank of Canada 25 dollars 1935 - PMG CUNC-63
Another 1935 French special serial number note in the low number category which sold in January 2022.
Are also known, but in lower grades:
- F000002
- F000003
- F000005
- F000006
- F000007
- F000008
#4 - $45,918 - Dominion of Canada 500 dollars 1925 - LCG SP-66
A PMG SP-64 specimen sold in 2019 for $41,500.
Only 8 circulating $500 Dominion of Canada 1925 banknotes are known. Specimen known examples is not determined.
#5 - $42,000 - Bank of Canada 1,000 dollars 1954 Devil's Face - LCG GUNC-66
This serie caused controversy because highlighted areas of the Queen's hair gave the illusion of a grinning demon behind the ear. The term "Devil's Head" is commonly used to describe these bank notes.
In 2020, a CUNC-63 example sold for $22,000.
1,000 dollars 1954 devil's face price guide
#6 - $41,475 - Bank of Canada 1,000 dollars 1937 - PMG CUNC-64
Special serial number note in the low number category (#0000041). The $1,000 note was issued several years after the rest of the 1937 series. It took on the rose tint of the 1935 $20 note but retained the portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's first French-Canadian prime minister, as well as the security allegory on the back.
1,000 dollars 1937 price guide
#7 - $40,000 - Bank of Canada 25 dollars 1935 - BCS AU-55
Low serial number (A000007).
This special royal purple $25 note was issued on 6 May 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V. It was printed by CBN and features portraits of the King and Queen. This was the only $25 note ever issued by the Bank of Canada.
#8 - $39,700 - Bank of Canada 25 dollars 1935 - LCG CUNC-64
This exact banknote was certified UNC-60 by CCCS when it sold at a 2008 Canadian Numismatic Association Sale.
#9 - $37,000 - Bank of Canada 100 dollars 1935 - LCG UNC-62
This exact banknote was estimated at EF-AU in 2005. It was described this year par The Canadian Numismatic Company as:
Nice eye appeal, good margins and superb embossing. This would be an important addition to a major Canadian Museum, financial institution collection or a major highlight of a personal collection.
#10 - $35,850 - Dominion of Canada 5 dollars 1924 - PMG GUNC-65
Chartered bank 5 dollars banknotes were sufficient of the needs of the population. The 5 dollars banknotes from Dominion of Canada were issued only in 1934, just prior of the introduction of the Bank of Canada banknotes and the withdrawal of the Dominion ones in 1935.
A LCG GUNC-64 example with low serial A000943 sold for $29,375 last year.
Honorable mentions
- $33,000 - Dominion of Canada - 2 dollars 1878 St. John - PMG VG-10
- $33,000 - Union Bank of Newfoundland 20 dollars 1889 - PMG CUNC-64
- $32,860 - Bank of Canada 25 dollars 1935 - PMG GUNC-65
- $32,860 - Bank of Canada 1,000 dollars 1935 - LCG VF-30 (F00385)
Previous years
Pictures by Heritage Auctions, Geoffrey Bell Auctions and The Canadian Numismatic Company.
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