25 Dollars CAN Banknote (1935 Issue) 1935

25 Dollars Canadian Dollar (Issued 1935)

Issued to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V’s reign, this 1935 twenty-five dollar note stands as a unique expression of Canada’s deep constitutional ties to the British Crown at a moment of national celebration. Printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited, it was the only commemorative denomination ever issued by the Bank of Canada, making it a singular artefact of mid-Depression-era Canadian monetary history. The date span 1910–1935 inscribed prominently across the top speaks directly to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the King’s accession, giving this note a clear and ceremonial purpose that sets it apart from every other note in the 1935 series.

On the front, the centrepiece is a finely engraved double portrait set within an oval vignette, depicting King George V in full regalia including his crown and decorated robes, seated alongside Queen Mary, who wears her own crown and an elaborate pearl necklace with formal court dress. The engraving achieves exceptional depth and tonal range, capturing the texture of the royal garments and the detail of their jewellery with precision typical of intaglio craftsmanship. The heading reads “THE BANK OF CANADA” in bold serif capitals, followed by the promise “WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND” in smaller lettering beneath. The dates “1910–1935” appear in a prominent arch across the very top of the note, flanked on either side by the numeral 25 in large format. The serial number A009028 appears twice in red ink, once to the left and once to the right of the central portrait. Below the portrait, in engraved text, the legend reads “TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACCESSION OF H.M. KING GEORGE V.” The place of issue, OTTAWA, appears to the lower left of the central vignette, while the date MAY 6th 1935 is printed to the lower right. Two facsimile signatures appear at the base of the note — that of the Deputy Governor to the left and the Governor to the right — rendered in flowing script. To the right of the central oval, a circular Bank of Canada seal is visible. The denomination “TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS” is printed in large serif type across the lower portion of the note, and the numeral 25 appears repeatedly in each corner and along the side borders. The overall colour of the front is a monochromatic steel grey and black, with the serial numbers in red providing the only contrasting colour. The border design incorporates intricate guilloché patterning and fine geometric lathe-work, running along all four edges in the manner characteristic of high-security banknote printing of the era. The printer’s imprint, CANADIAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, LIMITED, appears in small capitals along the very bottom margin.

The reverse is printed in a rich plum and dark purple colouration throughout, presenting an impressive engraved landscape vignette occupying the upper central portion of the design. The scene depicts Windsor Castle viewed from across the River Thames, with the castle’s towers, battlements, and main keep rendered in finely worked intaglio lines that convey both the grandeur and the picturesque setting of the royal residence. Trees and foliage line the riverbank in the foreground, and the broad expanse of water reflects light in the engraved tonal work. A flag flies from one of the castle’s towers. Below the vignette, a caption reads “WINDSOR CASTLE” in small serif lettering. The words “BANK OF CANADA” arc across the top of the note in large bold serif capitals, framed by an ornate cartouche. The denomination “TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS” is printed in large bold type across the lower section of the reverse, with the numeral 25 displayed prominently in guilloché-bordered panels on both the left and right sides. The surrounding border areas are filled with intricate floral and scrollwork patterns in the same deep purple tone, incorporating symmetrical decorative devices in each corner. The printer’s imprint, CANADIAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, LIMITED, appears along the very bottom edge of the reverse in small capitals.

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• Indicate the quantity of 25 Dollars Canadian Dollar banknotes you want to exchange
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