Bank of British Columbia (Canada) 10 Dollars Paper Money 1894 Coloured Face and Back Proof Set

Country: Canada

Issuer / Authority: Bank of British Columbia

Denomination: 10 Dollars

Date: 1 January 1894

Type: Coloured Face and Back Proof Set

Grade / Condition (Face): Gem UNC66 PPQ (Legacy Grading)

Grade / Condition (Back): Gem UNC65 PPQ (Legacy Grading)

Plate: D

A remarkable Coloured Face and Back Proof Set of the Bank of British Columbia 10 Dollar note issued in 1894. Founded in 1862 during the British Columbia gold rush, the Bank of British Columbia was one of Western Canada's most influential chartered banks before merging with the Bank of Montreal in 1901. Complete proof sets from this historic institution are exceptionally rare and represent some of the finest surviving examples of Canadian banknote production.

This set includes both the coloured face proof and the matching back proof, showcasing the complete artistic design of the banknote before it entered production. Produced for design approval, archival reference, or presentation purposes, these proofs were never intended for circulation and were printed in extremely limited quantities. Complete face-and-back proof sets are considerably scarcer than individual proofs and are highly prized by advanced collectors.

In 1894, 10 Dollars represented a very substantial amount of purchasing power—equivalent to roughly two weeks' wages for many Canadian workers. It was sufficient to pay several months' rent in some communities, purchase large quantities of food and household supplies, or finance significant commercial transactions, making it one of the higher denominations used in everyday banking and commerce.

The proof set beautifully displays the exceptional craftsmanship of late 19th-century banknote engraving, featuring intricate guilloché patterns, detailed allegorical vignettes, vibrant color work, and finely engraved security elements that exemplify the artistry of Canada's chartered bank era.

An exceptional and historically significant proof set, ideal for collectors of Canadian numismatics, chartered bank notes, Bank of British Columbia issues, proof material, and world paper money.