1996 $2 CANADIAN PIEDFORT TOONIE & 2 UNCUT BRX BANKNOTE SET

1996 Canada $2 Piedfort Coin and 2 BRX UNCUT Replacement Banknote Set

This set includes a new Proof $2 Piedfort coin, and a new two UNCUT BRX $2 banknote printed for the Bank of Canada.

The 'X' in the third position of the alphanumeric serial number denotes that this note is the replacement for one which did not meet the high quality standards set by the Bank. As such, replacement notes rarely enter circulation.

The $2 Piedfort

The origin of the Piedfort can be traced to the twelfth century. It is characteristically struck from an abnormally think planchet and is heavier than its circulating counterpart. Piedfort were first minted as patterns in medieval France and Britain where they helped to standardize coinage. The French kings also used them as presentation pieces.

Your 1996 Proof Silver $2 Piedfort marks the introduction of the bi-metallic $2 coin to this country. This is the first time that Royal Canadian Mint issues a piedfort. The $2 polar bear design, by artist Brent Townsend, graces the reverse. The obverse features a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Dora de Pedery-Hunt.

The $2 Bank Notes

The $2 notes are part of the fifth series of notes issued by the Bank of Canada in 1986 featuring the theme of Canadian birds. These are among the last notes of that denomination ever printed in Canadian history as the note was replaced by the $2 bi-metallic coin in 1996.

This set contains two uncut BRX $2 bank notes printed by authority of the Bank of Canada. These uncirculated replacement notes bear the signatures of Mr. Gordon Thiessen and Mr. Bernard Bonin, Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, respectively. The note face shows an up-to-date portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II against a vignette of the Parliament Buildings. Two robins are depicted on the back against a stylized sky incorporating the word "Canada".

Specifications:

Proof Sterling Silver (.925)

Inner core covered with 24-karat gold

Weighs 25g and thickness of 4.5mm and a diameter 28mm