Catalog
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| Issuer | Bank of British North America |
|---|---|
| Year | 18xx |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | BANK OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA LOWER MONTREAL DIX 10 PIASTRES CANADA BRANCH TEN 10 DOLLARS We Promise to pay or order on Demand TEN DOLLARS for value received at our Bank MONTREAL 18 For the Directors and Company, MANAGER. ACCOUNT. $TEN X$ |
| Reverse description | Unprinted reverse showing bleed-through of the obverse intaglio impression in mirror image, with the heraldic vignette, circular counters, and lathe-work band visible in reverse through the paper. The sheet bears no intentional reverse printing, consistent with a pattern or trial piece. |
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| Comments |
The Bank of British North America was chartered in London in 1836 and operated as a British-incorporated bank across Canadian territory — an unusual arrangement that persisted until 1918 when it was absorbed by the Bank of Montreal. Its notes were consequently designed and printed in England throughout most of the bank's life, giving them a distinctly metropolitan character compared to contemporaries printed in Montreal or Toronto.
Perkins, Bacon & Co. held the contract for much of the series. The firm's steel-engraving work was among the most counterfeit-resistant available at the time, a major selling point for a bank operating across remote colonial outposts where note authentication was difficult.
The "18xx" dating indicates an undated or partially dated plate — the issuing branch would complete the date by hand at the time of signing.