Story perspectives

Canada’s new $20 banknote featuring King Charles III

9/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Canada issues a new $20 banknote that features King Charles III’s portrait.
It is the first Commonwealth nation to feature the King on banknotes since his ascension.
The vertical $20 follows the $10 Viola Desmond note, Canada’s first vertical denomination.
Design adds motifs from the King’s environmental work, an Indigenous-plant window and the Vimy Memorial on reverse.
Governor Tiff Macklem said the note is striking, symbolic and secure, entering circulation in late February 2027.

History

Historical Context

In 2018 the Bank of Canada issued the first Canadian vertical banknote, a polymer $10 with Viola Desmond, introducing vertical orientation to national currency. Following Charles III’s accession in 2022, Canada announced a vertical $20 portrait, to circulate in February 2027. The Swiss National Bank’s 2016-19 ninth series refreshed designs but retained traditional layout, highlighting Canada’s lead.

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Story summary

Canada issues a new $20 banknote that features King Charles III’s portrait.
It is the first Commonwealth nation to feature the King on banknotes since his ascension.
The vertical $20 follows the $10 Viola Desmond note, Canada’s first vertical denomination.
Design adds motifs from the King’s environmental work, an Indigenous-plant window and the Vimy Memorial on reverse.
Governor Tiff Macklem said the note is striking, symbolic and secure, entering circulation in late February 2027.

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