1986 Canadian 2 Dollar Banknote – The Last of Its Kind Before the Toonie Era
In 1986, Canada introduced the “Birds of Canada” series, a bold departure from the landscapes of the 1954 notes. This series embraced vibrant colours, modern security features, and a celebration of Canadian wildlife. The $2 note, issued on September 2, 1986, was the second in the series and would become the last $2 banknote issued before the introduction of the Toonie coin in 1996.
This note marked a turning point in Canadian currency design—blending tradition with innovation, and featuring a more mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II alongside a distinctly Canadian symbol: the American Robin.
Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Bank of Canada
Denomination: 2 Dollars
Year of Issue: 1986
Pick Number: P-94
Printers: Canadian Bank Note Company & 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 Henry S. Doubtfire from a photograph by Anthony Buckley. A small vignette of Parliament Hill appears beside the portrait, along with the Canadian coat of arms.
Reverse: A pair of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) in a grassy field—symbolizing renewal and the arrival of spring.
Bilingual Text: English and French inscriptions reflect Canada’s dual heritage.
Colour Scheme: A warm red-orange palette, vibrant and easily recognizable.
Security Features: Microprinting, barcodes for the visually impaired, and multicolour wave patterns in the denomination.
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1986 $2 note is a nostalgic favourite and a key piece of modern Canadian numismatics. It offers:
Historical significance as the final $2 paper note before the Toonie
Artistic appeal, with its vivid colours and wildlife theme
Multiple signature and prefix varieties, including rare replacement notes
A bridge between tradition and modernity, marking the end of an era
Capture the charm of Canada’s currency evolution with this iconic $2 note. Whether for its design, symbolism, or place in history, the 1986 Canadian 2 Dollar banknote is a must-have for collectors and gift-givers alike.
