Which Flag is on the Canadian Two-Dollar Bill?

The Canadian two-dollar bill, last issued in 1996 before being replaced by the two-dollar coin, also known as the Twonee, has sparked some confusion regarding the flag flown. This article aims to clarify the issue and provide a detailed insight into the history and markings on the Canadian two-dollar bill.

The Canadian Two-Dollar Bill: A Historical Perspective

The Canadian two-dollar bill, last printed in 1996, featured a small yet significant detail: a tiny depiction of the old Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. This picture included the flag from one of the towers, specifically the one that predated the current Peace Tower. Initially, many assumed this flag to be the American flag, due to its diminutive size and the presence of a blue rectangle in the top left corner. However, upon closer examination of old photos, it is clear that the flag portrayed was most likely the Red Ensign.

Parameters: A flag with the British Union Flag in one corner and the Canadian coat of arms at the center. Confusion: The Red Ensign, while distinctly Canadian, bears a striking resemblance to the American flag, often leading to misidentification. Historical Accuracy: The Red Ensign was in use in Canada until late 1965, when it was replaced by the Maple Leaf flag.

Red Ensign vs. American Flag

It is essential to differentiate between the Red Ensign and the American flag. The small flag on the Canadian two-dollar bill, despite its similarity, was technically a flag renowned for its red background with a union flag in the top left corner. Interestingly, the parliament building could sometimes display both the Red Ensign and the British flag independently. However, it is important to note that the flag was often not present due to the limitations of old camera technology.

Transition from Bill to Coin

With the arrival of the two-dollar coin in 1996, the era of paper currency two-dollar bills has come to an end. The coin bears a picture of Queen Elizabeth II on one side and a polar bear on the other. The obverse side shows:

Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II Text: "Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada" Image of a Polar bear in early summer on an ice floe

The depiction of the Queen and the polar bear on the coin is a clear indication that the two-dollar bill is no longer in circulation, and the new coin has taken its place.

The Maple Leaf Flag

Upon the transition to the two-dollar coin, the Maple Leaf flag became the official flag of Canada, and its use on the bill would have been accurate. However, it is crucial to remember that during the period the two-dollar bill was in circulation, it was the Red Ensign that was the flag.

Conclusion

The Canadian two-dollar bill, now a relic of history, featured a small Red Ensign flag, which was often mistaken for the American flag. While the flag on the bill was indeed a Red Ensign, it is clear that confusion can arise due to its similarity to the American flag. The transition to the two-dollar coin marked a significant change in currency design in Canada, and the new coin features a polar bear, a prominent symbol of Canada's Arctic regions.