Posted 03/22/2022 08:54 am
I agree with @Sap but the term "plate number" was used primarily for the 1970's & earlier series. This might be a function of the printing technology at the time (used engraving plates). By the 1990's when the printers employed lithographed backs we see the term "Position Numbers" used. These numbers were used for QC as @Sap describes (as far as I know). Since the RCMP insisted that the printers revert to using plate numbers in the 1960's the position numbers could have also functioned as a security feature too.
When it comes to the BIRDS SERIES, the position numbers become relevant for collectors with the $5, $20 & $100 denominations.
From Charlton:
For the $5.00:
Yellow BPN (Back Position Numbers) were used "for series ENA-ENZ & EOA-EOH. The position number was then changed to blue. A similar change took place in the replacement (ENX) notes."* There are also shifted BPN for the Bonin-Thiessen GPF, GPG, GPH, GPL & GPW notes.
For the $20.00:
"The omission of the BPN's is considered to have been accidental. Prefixes in which the no BPN variety occurs are ESZ, EVA, EVB, EVC, EVD, EVE and EVH." Furthermore the editors go on to describe that all EVB have no BPN whereas the other affected prefixes no pattern emerges (& no tables are possible to help guide collectors). I happen to know that the EVH without the BPN happened to be the most popular & sought after.
The $100:
This denomination has both "Hidden" & "Clear" BPN for the AJZ & AJX (replacement) notes.
*All quotes & info re: position numbers copied from page 301 (or refer to the preface)of the BIRDS OF CANADA series (Charlton 31st/2019 Ed.)
When it comes to the BIRDS SERIES, the position numbers become relevant for collectors with the $5, $20 & $100 denominations.
From Charlton:
For the $5.00:
Yellow BPN (Back Position Numbers) were used "for series ENA-ENZ & EOA-EOH. The position number was then changed to blue. A similar change took place in the replacement (ENX) notes."* There are also shifted BPN for the Bonin-Thiessen GPF, GPG, GPH, GPL & GPW notes.
For the $20.00:
"The omission of the BPN's is considered to have been accidental. Prefixes in which the no BPN variety occurs are ESZ, EVA, EVB, EVC, EVD, EVE and EVH." Furthermore the editors go on to describe that all EVB have no BPN whereas the other affected prefixes no pattern emerges (& no tables are possible to help guide collectors). I happen to know that the EVH without the BPN happened to be the most popular & sought after.
The $100:
This denomination has both "Hidden" & "Clear" BPN for the AJZ & AJX (replacement) notes.
*All quotes & info re: position numbers copied from page 301 (or refer to the preface)of the BIRDS OF CANADA series (Charlton 31st/2019 Ed.)
