Starting To Collect Papermoney Need Advice

Best bang for the buck is in your own education.

Like coins, it is essential that you learn how to grade notes.
Learn how authentic notes are produced, and learn faking, copying and counterfeiting techniques and what to look for, so that you are able identify non authentic notes, for your own protection.

Education is the key! But if that money is burning a hole in your pocket, stick with certified notes and/or buy from a reliable source. As for specifics, I would suggest 1935. First year for the bank of Canada, first year for the small notes that we have today, only year that had two different issues for french and english, each denomination depicted a different member of the royal family, and finally was only issued for 18 months or so. Everything is based on available funds, but for the lower denominations I would not drop below AU, the middle denominations not below VF and the higher denominations.....well good luck finding something affordable!! (this was based on your comment " a few thousand")

I agree with most sentiments that have already been stated.

But I don't really agree with telling someone else how or what to collect. It's just too hard.

Here's what I think you SHOULD do. watch a couple of auctions online that deal with banknotes and see which notes appeal to you. Look through a couple of catalogs and do the same. Collecting really is all about finding beauty from the eye of the beholder... right?

If you like something with some history or you like researching allegorical figures ... perhaps earlier issues will be what you will like. Perhaps you may even like chartered banknotes... (I love 'em but have had to try and restrict myself to certain criteria or I would probably try and buy/bid on all charters)

With more current issues, replacements, and serial numbers become quite interesting and a fun way to keep collecting. I for instance love collecting all new issued notes but I will only hold onto a current issue if there is something interesting with the serial number.

There's a thread on here where people have posted their canadian paper money and one read through all those pages usually has me drooling.

Good luck.. I know the answer was't probably as specific as you wanted.. but if/when you ask more specific questions I can probably come up with a more specific answer.

Feel free to PM me anytime you have questions but may be to shy to ask.. otherwise keep putting them out on here and let's have some fun!

Remember like anything, education doesn't happen over night, so be patient and buy books look up all of the banknote topics in this forum, even the old ones!

good luck in your future collection!