Bank of British Columbia (Canada) 20 Dollars Paper Money 1894 Coloured Face and Back Proof Set

Country: Canada

Issuer / Authority: Bank of British Columbia

Denomination: 20 Dollars

Date: 1 January 1894

Type: Coloured Face and Back Proof Set

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

Grade / Condition (Back): EF40 (Legacy Grading)

Plate: D

A remarkable Coloured Face and Back Proof Set of the Bank of British Columbia 20 Dollar note issued in 1894. Established in 1862 during the British Columbia gold rush, the Bank of British Columbia became one of Western Canada's most important chartered banks before its merger with the Bank of Montreal in 1901. Complete proof sets from this historic institution are exceptionally rare and rank among the finest surviving examples of Canadian chartered bank note production.

This set comprises both the coloured face proof and the matching back proof, presenting the complete banknote design exactly as prepared for approval prior to production. These proofs were created for archival, presentation, and printing purposes rather than circulation, and only a very limited number were produced. Complete face-and-back proof sets are significantly scarcer than individual proofs, making them especially desirable to advanced collectors.

In 1894, 20 Dollars represented an exceptionally large amount of purchasing power—equivalent to approximately a month's wages for many Canadian workers. It was sufficient to purchase major household goods, pay several months' rent, or finance substantial commercial and banking transactions, making it one of the highest-value notes regularly used in late 19th-century Canada.

The proof set showcases the extraordinary quality of Victorian-era banknote engraving, featuring intricate guilloché patterns, finely engraved allegorical vignettes, rich color work, and masterfully executed security details that highlight the artistry of Canada's chartered banking 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.