Canada issued $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and $1000 banknotes dated as 1954. As a general rule, these are very common. However, in numismatics there is an always an exception to the rule. There are two main varieties for these issues. There are “Devil’s Face” notes and “Modified Portrait” notes. Devil’s Face or Devil’s Head notes are much more desirable than modified portrait notes. All 1954 Bank of Canada (Banque Du Canada) currency was originally issued with the devil’s face design. The public noticed this and the design was re-engraved and rereleased without the devil’s face in Queen’s hair.

How To Spot The Devil’s Face

The easiest way to spot the devil’s face is to look for a hook nose and bushy eyebrows in the lower portion of Queen Elizabeth’s hair. Hopefully our side by side comparison will make it easy to spot. It does require a trained eye, but after a little practice you will be able to instantly spot it.

How Does This Affect Values?

There are still other factors at play when you are valuing a 1954 banknote from Canada. The condition, serial number, and signature combination are all very important. Below is a range from the latest printed price guide. Devil’s face notes in very poor condition could be worthless money. A note that is exceptionally high grade, a low serial number, or a replacement could be worth more than the stated range.

$1 Banknotes: $8 – $160

$2 Banknotes: $15 – $450

$5 Banknotes: $25 – $525

$10 Banknotes: $24 – $425

$20 Banknotes: $30 – $500

$50 Banknotes: $90 – $1,800

$100 Banknotes: $120 – $1,500

$1,000 Banknotes: $2,000 – $24,000

Need an Exact Value?

Contact us to learn what we think your bank note should sell for at our next auction. Send us an email to MGarrett@ManifestAuctions.com or fill out a contact form.