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CANADA - 1 Dollar - 1954 - "Devil's Face" - Pick# BC-29a - PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated (EPQ)

An elite-grade specimen of the highly famous 1954 "Devil's Face" 1 Dollar banknote. This early issue from the 1954 Series is renowned among collectors for the intricate engraving in Queen Elizabeth II’s hair, which appears to form the shape of a demonic face—a detail that was later modified in subsequent printings.
Professionally graded by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) as 66 Gem Uncirculated, this note also carries the prestigious EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designation. This guarantees that the paper is strictly original and has not been chemically or physically "doctored." Finding a "Devil's Face" variety in such high technical preservation is an exceptional opportunity for any serious numismatist.

The "Devil's Face" (or "Devil's Head") is an optical illusion located in the curls of Queen Elizabeth II's hair, specifically in the area directly behind her left ear (which appears on the right side of her portrait from the viewer's perspective). 

How to Spot It

The illusion is formed by the contrasting highlights and shadows of the original engraving. Look closely at the hair curls to the right of her ear to see: 
Eyes: Formed by two small, dark shaded loops in the hair.
Hooked Nose: Suggested by a sharp, curved shadow line.
Grinning Mouth: Created by a horizontal highlight just below the "nose". 

Item Details:

Country: Canada
Issuer: Bank of Canada / Banque du Canada
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Issue Year: 1954
Pick Number: BC-29a
Variety: "Devil's Face" (Original 1954 Engraving)
Signatures: J.E. Coyne (Deputy Governor) and G.F. Towers (Governor)
Banknote Serial Number: D/A 2237392
Printer: Canadian Bank Note Company (CBNC)

Certification Information:

Grading Service: PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)
Grade: 66 Gem Uncirculated (EPQ)
PMG Certification Number: 2154131-016 (Visible on the PMG holder label)

Condition Report:

Grade Analysis: A grade of 66 indicates a "Gem" note with superior centering, sharp corners, and full original luster.
EPQ Status: Confirmed Exceptional Paper Quality; the note is entirely as it left the printer.


Technical Specifications

Feature Details

Obverse Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (Devil's Face variety); Canadian Coat of Arms.
Reverse Prairie landscape from Saskatchewan.
Security Intricate lathe work and latent imagery.
Dimensions 152.4 x 69.85 mm.



The 1954 "Devil's Face" series is one of the most storied issues in Canadian paper money history. Due to the limited production run before the portrait was modified, high-grade specimens like this PMG 66 EPQ are increasingly difficult to source and represent a "Top Pop" investment for any advanced collection.


ALL ITEMS are sent, well packed, by registered mail or courier with full tracking.




Gem Uncirculated 66 - Certified (PMG)

Canada. - 1 Dollar - 1954 - Devil's Face - Bc-29a  (No reserve price)

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Canada. - 1 Dollar - 1954 - Devil's Face - Bc-29a (No reserve price)

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