Canada. - 2 x 20 Dollars 1954 – Both Scarce "Devil's Face" Varieties - Pick 70b / BC-33b (No reserve price)

Lot of Two Historical Canadian 1954 20-Dollar Banknotes – Both Scarce "Devil's Face" Varieties (Different Signatures)

General Description

An exceptional opportunity for collectors of North American currency to acquire two distinct signature varieties of the iconic 1954 Canadian Landscape Series 20-Dollar Banknote, with both notes being the highly coveted "Devil's Face" variety. The 1954 series was designed immediately following the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. However, intense public controversy arose regarding a coincidental optical illusion within the Queen's hair curls that strongly resembled a grinning demon, forcing the Bank of Canada to modify the printing plates soon after launch. This comparison lot contains two raw, beautifully preserved examples of this scarce original design across two separate historical signature panels.

Banknote Details

1. Bank of Canada – 20 Dollars (1954) – "Devil's Face" Variety – Beattie-Coyne Signatures

Description: This banknote represents the scarcer, early-run printing under the signature combination of Deputy Governor J.R. Beattie and Governor J.E. Coyne before the portrait plates were altered later in their term. Cataloged as Pick #70b (or Charlton BC-33b), it carries the serial number E/E 4032488.

Grade: The note exhibits a crisp paper body, natural light handling wrinkles, intact margins, and excellent remaining ink contrast.

Obverse: The design features the uncorrected portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the right side of the note, clearly displaying the distinctive white highlights creating the "Devil's Face" illusion in her hair curls. The center displays the large bilingual text Canada Twenty Dollars / Vingt Dollars above the central denomination, framed by security lathework borders and matching red serial numbers.

Reverse: The reverse features a tranquil Canadian landscape depicting a snow-laden forest of spruce trees in winter with rolling hills in the background, engraved by the Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited.

2. Bank of Canada – 20 Dollars (1954) – "Devil's Face" Variety – Coyne-Towers Signatures

Description: This banknote features the earliest signature combination of the series under Deputy Governor J.E. Coyne and Governor G.F. Towers. Cataloged as Pick #70a (or Charlton BC-33a), it carries the early prefix serial number A/E 0247864.

Grade: This piece shows honest, heavier circulation with visible vertical fold lines, light edge smoothing, and minor atmospheric toning, but it remains fully intact without any major tears, pinholes, or structural damage.

Obverse: Features the original, uncorrected George Gundersen portrait engraving of the Queen where the highlights inside her curls behind her ear form the "Devil's Face" illusion. It is flanked by bilingual inscriptions and the classic Coyne-Towers signature block.

Reverse: It mirrors the landscape design of the series, presenting the magnificent forest winter scene bordered by the bilingual title Bank of Canada – Banque du Canada.

Condition Report

Please see the provided high-resolution images as these form an integral part of the condition report.

Shipping & Important Terms

Courier: Items are sent by UPS with full tracking.

Middle East Delivery Restriction: IMPORTANT. DUE to Middle East problems, at the moment I do not sell to Middle East countries affected by the Iranian Conflict. Please do not bid.