The Bank of Canada has officially unveiled its shiny new vertical $20 bill, swapping out the long-reigning late Queen Elizabeth II for a central portrait of King Charles III. Mark your calendars for late February 2027, which is when the green polymer plastic will actually start sliding into your wallet. It marks the first time in over 70 years that a fresh monarch has taken over our cash, giving the King his debut on Canadian paper money.
Beyond the Royal upgrade, the note doubles as a botanical showcase. Charles’s portrait is framed by an eco-friendly tapestry of leaves and flowers honoring his passion for the environment, flanked by floral emblems from all 13 provinces and territories alongside plants sacred to Indigenous cultures. The flip side keeps things familiar with the historic Vimy Ridge Memorial, proving that even a total monarchical makeover knows not to mess with a Canadian classic.
To keep counterfeiters thoroughly miserable, the bank packed the note with sci-fi security features. A high-tech purple stripe spins, pulses, and changes shapes when tilted, complete with 3D magnifying bubbles and floating maple leaves. The central bank even put the prototypes through hell—boiling, chemical baths, and actual laundry loads—ensuring your new King Charles twenties survive a trip through the wash after a forgotten night out.
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