1973 Canadian 1 Dollar Banknote – The Last Paper Dollar of a Nation in Transition
As Canada approached its centennial decade, the Bank of Canada introduced the “Scenes of Canada” series, a bold redesign that celebrated the country’s landscapes and national identity. The 1973 $1 note, released in 1974, was the first of this series and would become the last regularly issued paper dollar before the Loonie coin replaced it in 1987. It marked the end of an era—both in design and in daily use.
This note is beloved for its detailed engraving of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, a tribute to Canada’s capital and its logging heritage. With its vibrant green tones and rainbow printing, it remains a nostalgic favourite among collectors and gift buyers alike.
Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Bank of Canada
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Year of Issue: 1973 (released in 1974)
Pick Number: P-85
Printers: Canadian Bank Note Company & British American Bank Note Company
Size: Approx. 156 × 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. The design includes the Canadian coat of arms and a Parliament Hill vignette.
Reverse: A beautifully detailed engraving of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, featuring the tugboat Missinaibi breaking through a log boom—a nod to Canada’s logging industry. Engraved by C. Gordon Yorke, based on a 1963 photograph by Malak Karsh.
Bilingual Text: Reflects Canada’s English and French heritage.
Colour Scheme: Classic green with multicolour “rainbow printing” for added security and visual appeal.
Serial Numbers: Red on the left, blue on the right—distinctive and collectible.
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1973 $1 note is a cornerstone of Canadian numismatics. It offers:
Historical significance as the final paper dollar before the Loonie
Artistic merit, with its finely engraved reverse and regal portrait
Multiple signature and prefix combinations, including rare replacements
A nostalgic connection to everyday life in 1970s and 1980s Canada
Own a piece of Canadian history that bridges tradition and transformation. The 1973 Canadian 1 Dollar banknote is more than currency—it’s a cultural keepsake.
