1986 Birds of Canada Complete Specimen Set

1986 Birds of Canada Complete Specimen Set (CCCS Graded UNC-64 to UNC-66)

Product Overview

This is a rare opportunity to own a museum-grade complete set of the 1986 “Birds of Canada” series specimens. These notes were never intended for public circulation; instead, they were produced in extremely limited quantities as official reference standards for central banks and international law enforcement. Each note in this master set has been professionally authenticated and slabbed by the Canadian Coin Certification Service (CCCS) in Choice to Gem Uncirculated condition.

Set Composition & Grading

This complete 6-note collection features the full denominational range of the iconic 1986 series:

The “Specimen” Distinction

• Zero Serial Numbers: Unlike circulating currency, these notes feature unique all-zero serial numbers (e.g., 0000000), identifying them as part of an official archival run.

• Bold Overprints: Each note is struck with a vibrant red “SPECIMEN” overprint on both the obverse and reverse, designating its status as a non-tender reference piece.

• Pristine Preservation: Because these notes were handled only under strictly controlled conditions before being slabbed, they exhibit original paper “firmness,” vibrant ink saturation, and perfectly sharp corners.

Historical Significance

The 1986 series was a revolutionary “transitional” era for Canadian currency. It was the first series to introduce modern security features specifically designed to defeat high-end color photocopiers, including:

• Optical Security Devices (OSD): The $20, $50, and $100 notes feature the first-ever color-shifting metallic patches that move from gold to green when tilted.

• Accessibility Features: This series introduced larger, bolder numerals and a distinctive bar code system for hand-held electronic readers for the visually impaired.

• Last of Their Kind: This set includes the $2 note, which was permanently withdrawn in 1996 and replaced by the “Toonie” coin.

Inventory Options

Note to Collectors: While this listing is for the complete CCCS Graded Set, we occasionally carry individual raw specimens or single graded notes for specific denominations. Please contact us for current pricing on ungraded Birds of Canada specimens to round out your personal gallery.