100 Dollar Bill Canada History and Features

The Canadian 100 dollar bill is among the higher denominations of currency in circulation in Canada. The Canadian 100-dollar bill had gone through multiple re-issuance and changing of the bill over the years.

The 100-dollar bill series changes and re-issuance over the years sterns from the need for the issuing bank to craft a national identity, that reflects the ever-changing Canadian society. Read on to learn more about the Canadian 100-dollar bill. 

About 100 dollar bill Canada

Front View

Reverse View

Source – Wikipedia

The Canadian 100-dollar bill is one of the Canadian banknotes issued by the Bank of Canada, which is the country’s central bank. It is one of the highest denomination banknotes in circulation in Canada and is used for large transactions and purchases.

The current version of the Canadian 100-dollar bill was released in November 2011 and is part of the Polymer series, which features a polymer substrate instead of traditional paper.

The use of a polymer substrate makes the banknotes more durable and difficult to counterfeit. The front of the Canadian 100-dollar bill features the portrait of Sir Robert Borden, who was the eighth Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1911 to 1920.

The Canadian 100-dollar bill also includes a number of security features designed to prevent counterfeiting.

These features include

• Holographic stripes
• Raised printing
• See-through window that contains a metallic portrait of Sir Robert Borden, as well as other design elements that are only visible under ultraviolet light.

The Canada Goose (Birds Of Canada)

Do you know the mighty Canadian goose made it to the reverse of the old 100-dollar Canadian note? It is an exciting story that many Canadians are unaware of, but it does exist.

The Reverse of the old 100-dollar Canadian note contains a portrait of a goose flying between two mountains. The artist who created this stunning piece of art was named William Koochin, and he was inspired by the magnificent beauty of nature found in our country.

Canada chose the Canadian Goose for their 100-dollar bill. The Canadian Goose can be found all over Canada. This makes it a good symbol for bringing people from different parts of Canada together on the same bill.

Canada Goose Fact?

The fateful morning of September 22, 1995, the United States Air Force Boeing was on its way to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.

The crew onboard had no idea what awaited them as they navigated their way through the skies. Unknown to them, a large flock of Canadian Geese had made their home at the base and were now taking flight in search of food.

As the plane flew through the air, it suddenly encountered an immense flock of geese crossing its path. Despite attempting to manoeuvre around them, the plane collided with several birds which damaged both its engines. In a desperate attempt to gain control of the aircraft, the crew tried their best to keep it steady but ultimately failed as it began plummeting toward Earth.

The impact of the crash was so severe that all 24 people onboard perished in an instant and left many families devastated.

The flock of geese also had casualties but 24 people died too. The strength of the Canada goose is seen here, even though fatal.

Counterfeiting the 100 Dollar bill

Here is a view of the old 100-dollar bill, and the story behind its evolution

Front View

Reverse

Source- Bank of Canada Museum

Retailers in Ontario and Quebec had problems with the Canadian 100-dollar bill from the “Birds of Canada” series in 2001. There was a surge of counterfeit bills in circulation, which led to a temporary ban on accepting Canadian 100-dollar bills for purchases that required large amounts of change, such as beer and cigarettes.

The Canadian 100-dollar bill was reissued with advanced security features, but many businesses, including 7-11, continued to refuse it due to a change in our behaviour towards banknotes.

Even though we have many ways to pay digitally with credit cards like Simplii, koho, and many others which include just tapping, and can choose the denominations of banknotes from ATMs, the Canadian 100-dollar bill is not commonly used.

Currently, the only way to obtain a Canadian 100-dollar bill in physical form is if someone gives it to you. It is important to be cautious about the source, as there is a risk of receiving counterfeit bills. It is recommended to use the same level of discretion as retailers did in the early to mid-2000s.

Physical Features of The Canadian 100-Dollar Bill

There are several distinct features on the Canadian 100-dollar bill, these distinct features form part of the security features of the 100-dollar bill. 

1. The Portrait
2. The Building
3. Researcher at a Microscope
4. Insulin
5. DNA Strand
6. Electrocardiogram

The Portrait of Canada’s Eighth Prime Minister

Source – Bank Of Canada

The portrait featured on the Canadian 100-dollar bill is that of Sir Robert Borden, who was Canada’s eighth prime minister, serving from 1911 to 1920.

Borden is one of only three Canadian Prime Ministers to have their portrait featured on a banknote, alongside Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

The inclusion of Borden’s portrait on the Canadian 100-dollar bill serves several purposes. First and foremost, it honours Borden’s contributions to Canadian politics and his leadership during a critical period in Canadian history.

Borden and the First World War

Borden played a key role in leading Canada through the first world war and was responsible for several important legislative initiatives, including the creation of the Canadian Navy, the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and the Canadian income tax system.

In addition to honouring Borden’s contributions to Canada, the portrait on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also serves as a symbol of the country’s democratic traditions and institutions. By featuring the portrait of a former Prime Minister on its banknotes, Canada acknowledges the importance of political leadership and the role individuals play in shaping the direction of the country.

The portrait on the 100 dollar bill Canada also has practical uses in preventing counterfeiting and fraud. The portrait is printed using a complex combination of colours and security features that make it difficult to reproduce, ensuring that the banknote is both secure and easily recognizable.

The Building

Source – Bank Of Canada

Two architects, Thomas Stent and Augustus Laver, designed beautiful buildings in the Gothic Revival style. People think they are amazing.

The East Block Tower was built in the 1860s. You can see it on the Canadian $100 bill.

The East Block was the most important part of Canada’s government for the first 100 years. Famous Canadians like Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier had offices in this block.

In 1910, a part was added to the back of East Block. It had six big vaults where the country’s financial holdings. Later in the 1930s, the Bank of Canada ( banque du Canada ) got their own building and this job moved there. The vaults in East Block were changed into offices but they kept the original doors.

Researcher at a Microscope
Source – Bank Of Canada

The “Researcher at a Microscope” feature on 100 dollar bill Canada is an image of a scientist working with a microscope, conducting scientific research. This image represents Canada’s commitment to scientific discovery and innovation, and the critical role that research plays in shaping the country’s future.

The inclusion of the “Researcher at a Microscope” image on the Canadian 100-dollar bill serves several purposes.

The image honours the important work that scientists and researchers do in advancing human knowledge and understanding. Canada is home to many world-renowned scientists and research institutions, and the image of a researcher at a microscope acknowledges the country’s contributions to scientific discovery and innovation.

The “Researcher at a Microscope” image on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also serves as a symbol of the country’s commitment to education and learning. Canada is home to many excellent universities and research institutions, and the image of a researcher at a microscope highlights the importance of education and training in preparing individuals for careers in science and other fields.

The “Researcher at a Microscope” image on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also has practical uses in preventing counterfeiting and fraud. The image is printed using a complex combination of colours and security features that make it difficult to reproduce, ensuring that the banknote is both secure and easily recognizable.

Medical Innovation of Insulin
Source – Bank Of Canada

The image of insulin on the Canadian 100-dollar bill represents the groundbreaking work of Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best in the discovery and development of insulin as a treatment for diabetes. The discovery of insulin was a major scientific breakthrough and has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.

The inclusion of insulin on the Canadian 100-dollar bill serves several purposes. First and foremost, it honours the important contributions of Banting and Best to the field of medicine and their groundbreaking work in developing a life-saving treatment for diabetes. Their work has saved countless lives and has had a profound impact on the field of medicine.

In addition to honouring Banting and Best, the image of insulin on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also serves as a symbol of Canada’s commitment to scientific research and innovation.

Canada is home to many world-class research institutions and has a long history of making significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine. The image of insulin on the banknote highlights Canada’s role as a leader in medical research and innovation.

The image of insulin on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also has practical uses in preventing counterfeiting and fraud. The image is printed using a complex combination of colours and security features that make it difficult to reproduce, ensuring that the banknote is both secure and easily recognizable.

DNA Strand

Source – Bank Of Canada

The image of a DNA strand on the Canadian 100-dollar bill represents Canada’s contributions to the field of genetics and the important role that DNA plays in shaping human health and identity.

The image of a DNA strand serves as a symbol of Canada’s commitment to scientific research and innovation, as well as its leadership in the field of genetics.

The inclusion of the DNA strand on the Canadian 100-dollar bill serves several purposes. First and foremost, it honours the groundbreaking work of Canadian scientists such as Frederick Sanger, who developed methods for sequencing DNA and revolutionized the field of genetics.

Canada has been at the forefront of genetic research for many years, and the inclusion of a DNA strand on the banknote acknowledges the country’s contributions to this important field.

In addition to honouring Canada’s scientific community, the DNA strand on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also serves as a symbol of the importance of genetics in shaping human health and identity. DNA is the building block of life, and our genes play a critical role in determining everything from our physical traits to our susceptibility to certain diseases.

The image of a DNA strand highlights the importance of genetic research in understanding human health and disease, and the potential for genetic discoveries to improve human health and well-being.

The DNA strand on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also has practical uses in preventing counterfeiting and fraud. The image is printed using a complex combination of colours and security features that make it difficult to reproduce, ensuring that the banknote is both secure and easily recognizable.

Electrocardiogram

Source – Bank Of Canada

The image of an electrocardiogram (ECG) on the Canadian 100-dollar bill represents Canada’s contributions to the field of medical technology and the critical role that ECGs play in diagnosing and treating heart disease.

The inclusion of the ECG on the banknote serves as a symbol of Canada’s commitment to healthcare innovation and its leadership in the field of cardiology.

The ECG is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart and is a crucial diagnostic tool in cardiology. The image of an ECG on the Canadian 100-dollar bill honours the pioneering work of Canadian scientists such as Wilfred Gordon Bigelow and John Callaghan, who developed new techniques for cardiac surgery and advanced the field of cardiology.

In addition to honouring Canada’s scientific community, the ECG on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also serves as a symbol of the importance of cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the ECG is an essential tool in diagnosing and treating a range of cardiac conditions.

The inclusion of the ECG on the banknote highlights the importance of cardiovascular health and the potential for medical technology to improve the lives of people around the world.

The ECG on the Canadian 100-dollar bill also has practical uses in preventing counterfeiting and fraud. The image is printed using a complex combination of colours and security features that make it difficult to reproduce, ensuring that the banknote is both secure and easily recognizable.

Security Features of The Canadian 100-Dollar Bill

The Canadian 100-dollar bill is designed with several security features including:

Transparent Windows:

The banknote features two transparent windows that contain metallic images of a maple leaf and a building, as well as text that is visible from both sides of the banknote. The windows are difficult to reproduce and help to deter counterfeiting.

EURion Constellation:

The banknote includes a pattern of yellow circles known as the EURion constellation, which is a feature found on many modern banknotes worldwide. The pattern is recognized by image-processing software used by printers and photocopiers, which prevents the banknote from being reproduced.

Tactile Marks:

The Canadian 100-dollar bill includes a series of raised dots that can be felt by touch, providing an additional layer of security for people with visual impairments.

Registration Device:

The banknote features a registration device that consists of a small, circular window with an image of a maple leaf. When held up to the light, the image should line up perfectly with a matching maple leaf printed elsewhere on the banknote.

Raised Printing:

Certain elements of the banknote, such as the portrait of Sir Robert Borden, the denomination, and the words “Bank of Canada,” are printed with raised ink. This makes the banknote more difficult to reproduce using photocopiers or printers.

UV Printing:

The Canadian 100-dollar bill includes several ultraviolet features, such as fluorescent printing and a hidden image that can only be seen under UV light. These features are designed to deter counterfeiting and help identify genuine banknotes.

Specifics Of the Canadian 100 Dollar Bill

The Canadian 100-dollar bill has some specifics including:

• Building: The East Block of Parliament
• Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – M.J. Carney / Left – T. Macklem, Right – Stephen S. Poloz / Left – Carolyn A. Wilkins, Right – Stephen S. Poloz
• Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
• Issue date: 14 November 2011
• Theme: Medical Innovation

Conclusion

The Canadian 100-dollar bill is one of the higher denominations of legal tender in Canada and has undergone several changes as we have discussed. The bill has also witnessed severe counterfeiting over the years leading to businesses rejecting them from customers. The rejections were to avoid running the risk of accepting a counterfeit 100-dollar bill.