CANADA. Bank of British North America. 5 Dollars, 1884. CH #55-20-02. PCGS Currency Fine 15.This extremely rare example has a small total of 7 pieces known. Two of those notes are housed in an institutional Collection and another Stamped cancelled. This leaves only a small total of 4 redeemable notes in private hands. The last example sold in the January 2012 for $34,500.00 USD, and was PCGS Certified VF-20. This is an opportunity that many collectors will wait a lifetime for as they will be able to have the chance to purchase such a highly revered and respected piece of Canadian Banknote history. The Bank of British North America was founded in England 1836 as a private institution meant to conduct commerce through certain North American provinces. For 82 years the British Bank of North America succeeded in banking, with over 92 branches. However the war had imposed restrictions on communication and travel, making it difficult for the England bank directors to continue operating in the same manner. In 1918 the Bank of British North America was absorbed by the Bank of Montreal. At the time of the merger the bank had total assets of 78 million. All issued banknotes are redeemable today.This treasure with Queen Victoria pictured at center is certified as a PCGS Currency Fine 15 with comments of "Small Edge Splits" which are negligible for key notes like this.
