$5 - $100 1922 National Bank/La Banque Nationale Uncirculated Specimen Notes

Prior to the formation of the Bank of Canada in 1934 and the first Bank of Canada notes issued in 1935, most of Canada's banknotes of $5 and higher denominations were issued by the Chartered banks. This is a complete set of all five denominations issued by the National Bank / La Banque Nationale in 1922.

These notes were all samples of the initial printing of this issue in 1922, and have recently been obtained from the archive vaults of the National Bank of Canada. Less 150 of each of the $5, $20, $50 and $100 notes are believed to exist, while a few hundred of the $10 notes are thought to have survived. Issued $5, $10 and $20 notes of this type are extremely rare and sell for more than $2,000 in mid grade circulated condition.  Early $50 and $100 notes are all rare and highly sought after. There are no issued $50 or $100 notes of this type known to have survived, although other rare $50 and $100 notes of this era typically sell for between $5,000 and $20,000. These notes are exactly the same as issued notes, except that they are marked specimen rather than having serial numbers or a signature at the left side.

Face Designs: $5 Quebec Monument, $10 Cartier Sighting Land, $20 Quebec Citadel,  $50 and $100  Bank official Geo. E. Amyot (bilingual)
Back Design: Bank name, counters and Arms of the City of Quebec

Uncirculated Condition:
These notes have been graded as "Uncirculated 60". Although they were never used in circulation, they were likely used in 1922 as samples to show bank employees what the new note issues would look like. The paper on each note is new and original as printed, although they may have small pin or staple marks from being displayed on a sample board, or may have a minor counting bend. The notes come sealed in protective packaging from Canadian Coin & Currency verifying their professional opinion of the grade of the notes and that they are genuine.

Rarity:
Less than 150 specimen $5, $20, $50 and $100 notes of this issue are believed to exist, while a few hundred $10 notes are believed to exist.

Bank History:
La Banque Nationale was founded in 1860 and had over 230,000 customers by 1918. In 1923, La Banque Nationale merged with the Provincial Bank and La Banque d'Hochelaga to form La Banque Canadienne Nationale. This was the largest francophone bank in Canada with over 260 branches. In 1979, Banque Canadienne Nationale merged with La Banque Provinciale du Canada to from the National Bank of Canada.

Includes:
• $5 - $100 1922 Nation Bank/La Banque Nationale Uncirculated Specimen Notes (5 notes)