1954 Canadian 2 Dollar Banknote – A Rural Portrait of Postwar Canada

Following the death of King George VI in 1952, Canada ushered in a new era under Queen Elizabeth II. To mark this transition, the Bank of Canada introduced the 1954 “Canadian Landscape” series—a bold departure from classical allegories toward scenes of real Canadian life. The $2 note, with its warm tones and pastoral imagery, captured the heart of rural Quebec and the optimism of a country redefining its identity.

This note also became part of one of Canada’s most curious currency controversies: the early “Devil’s Face” portrait of the Queen, where a shadow in her hair was said to resemble a demonic figure. The design was quickly revised, making early versions highly collectible.

Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Bank of Canada

Denomination: 2 Dollars

Year of Issue: 1954

Pick Number: P-76

Printer: British American Bank Note Company

Size: Approx. 152 × 70 mm

Material: Paper with intaglio and lithographic printing

Design Highlights
Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, engraved by George Gundersen from a Yousuf Karsh photograph. Early “Devil’s Face” versions were later replaced with a “Modified Portrait.”

Reverse: A tranquil rural landscape of the Saint-François River in Richmond, Quebec, with the Montérégiennes hills in the distance—engraved by Harold Dawson and designed by Charles Fraser Comfort.

Bilingual Text: English and French inscriptions reflect Canada’s dual linguistic heritage.

Colour Scheme: A warm, earthy orange that evokes the richness of the Canadian countryside.

Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1954 $2 note is a nostalgic gem for collectors and history lovers alike. It represents:

A pivotal moment in Canadian design, moving toward realism and national pride

The first full series under Queen Elizabeth II, with both controversy and charm

Artistic excellence, from the pastoral reverse to the finely engraved portrait