5 dollars 1954
“7777777”
Market Prices
61 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional uncirculated example of the 1954 Canadian $5 note (Pick-77b), featuring the modified portrait of Queen Elizabeth II without the controversial 'Devil's Face' in her hairdo. The note displays pristine condition with sharp, clear printing throughout and no signs of wear, creases, or foxing. The serial number X7777777 is a highly desirable repeating numeral pattern that significantly enhances collector appeal.
Common. Despite the catalog rating of UNC and the desirable repeating serial number, the 1954 $5 note (Pick-77b) was produced in substantial quantities for regular circulation and remained in use for decades. eBay auction data shows UNC examples consistently selling in the $30-45 range from 2009-2013, with typical circulated grades selling for $7-20. The note is readily available in all grades, indicating large surviving population. The repeating serial number (7777777) adds premium appeal but does not fundamentally alter the common status of the issue itself.
Issued in 1954, this banknote represents a critical transitional moment in Canadian currency design following public outcry over the 'Devil's Face' variety of 1935-1945. The reverse depicts Otter Falls along the Alaska Highway, reflecting Canada's post-war emphasis on its northern wilderness and infrastructure development during a period of economic expansion and national identity consolidation.
The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II rendered in formal attire with pearl necklace, positioned at right. The modified hairstyle eliminates the optical illusion that plagued earlier issues. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved landscape of a turbulent river (Otter Falls) with rushing rapids, rocky riverbed, and dense coniferous forest under mountainous background, representing the Canadian northern frontier. Both sides employ intricate guilloche patterns and decorative borders with denomination numerals in corners, rendered entirely in blue and gray tones with black text.
Front side — English: 'FIVE DOLLARS', 'CANADA', 'BANK OF CANADA', 'WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND', 'OTTAWA', '1954', signatures of 'R. Beattie' (Deputy Governor) and 'L. Rasminsky' (Governor), 'DEPUTY GOVERNOR', 'GOVERNOR', 'Canadian Bank Note Company Limited'. French: 'CINQ DOLLARS', 'BANQUE DU CANADA', 'PAIERA AU PORTEUR SUR DEMANDE', 'SOUS-GOUVERNEUR', 'GOUVERNEUR'. Back side — English: 'FIVE DOLLARS', 'BANK OF CANADA'. French: 'CINQ DOLLARS', 'BANQUE DU CANADA'.
Intaglio engraving (steel plate printing) produced by Canadian Bank Note Company Limited, as noted on the face. The fine line work, detailed guilloche security patterns, and sharp portrait rendering are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The bilingual text and complex background patterns provided anti-counterfeiting measures typical of mid-20th century Canadian currency.
This note features the modified Queen Elizabeth II portrait (introduced 1954) distinguishing it from the earlier 'Devil's Face' variety (Pick-68, 1935-1945). The serial number X7777777 is a fancy/repeating numeral pattern, which is a collector variety that commands modest premiums. Signatures present are R. Beattie (Deputy Governor) and L. Rasminsky (Governor), typical of the 1954 issue period. The specific prefix 'X' on the serial number may indicate a particular printing batch, though this is a standard characteristic of the series rather than a scarce variety.
