2009 Canada 20 Dollars – A Celebration of Culture, Sovereignty, and Art
Explore the harmony of heritage and modernity with the 2009 Canada $20 banknote, part of the Canadian Journey Series. Featuring Queen Elizabeth II and iconic Haida artwork by Bill Reid, this note is a tribute to Canada’s cultural diversity, parliamentary tradition, and artistic legacy.
🕰️ Historical Context
Issued between 2004 and 2011, this series marked a shift toward enhanced security and storytelling through design. The 2009 issue continued to feature Queen Elizabeth II, reaffirming Canada’s constitutional monarchy, while the reverse celebrated Indigenous art and the theme of Arts and Culture.
📌 Key Features & Specifications
Feature Details
Pick Number P-103
Denomination 20 Canadian Dollars
Currency Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Material Paper
Issuing Authority Bank of Canada
Size 152 × 70 mm
Printer Canadian Bank Note Co. / British American Bank Note
Watermark Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
Security Thread Windowed thread visible under UV
Demonetized No – still legal tender
🎨 Design Elements
Front: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at left, with the Centre Block of Parliament in Ottawa at center. A vertical holographic security stripe, color-shifting ink, and microprinting enhance both beauty and protection.
Back: Celebrates Arts and Culture with four works by Haida artist Bill Reid:
The Raven and the First Men
Haida Grizzly Bear
The Spirit of Haida Gwaii
Mythic Messengers
Also features a bilingual quote by Gabrielle Roy: “Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?”
🔠 Lettering on the Note
“BANK OF CANADA / BANQUE DU CANADA”
“THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER / CE BILLET A COURS LEGAL”
“TWENTY DOLLARS / VINGT DOLLARS”
Serial number and signatures of Governor and Deputy Governor
🔒 Security Features
Watermark: Queen Elizabeth II
Holographic stripe with repeating “20” and maple leaf
Color-shifting ink on the numeral “20”
UV-reactive elements and microtext
🎁 Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This note is ideal for:
🎨 Art and culture enthusiasts – Featuring Haida masterpieces and literary tribute
👑 Royal memorabilia collectors – With a regal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
🎂 Those born in 2009 – A meaningful and modern birth-year gift
🍁 Canadian heritage collectors – A note that bridges tradition and innovation
💡 Why Collect This Banknote?
The 2009 Canada $20 note is more than currency—it’s a canvas of national identity. With its blend of Indigenous art, royal symbolism, and cutting-edge security, it’s a must-have for collectors of modern Commonwealth, cultural, or art-themed banknotes.
