The Scent of Canadian Currency: Fact or Fiction?
Recently, a question has surged on social media and forums: does the Canadian 100 dollar bill smell like maple syrup? It's quite a claim to make, especially since such a smell comes with a faintly magical scent often associated with Canada's cultural icon, maple syrup. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this claim, dispel common misconceptions, and look into Canada's unique currency designs and practices.
Famous Claim: A Smell of Maple Syrup in Canadian Currency
Many have heard the claim that the Canadian 100 dollar bill has a scent of maple syrup, which is a popular product of the country. However, some doubt its authenticity. Is this claim based on solid evidence or just another joke?
The Real Facts
It turns out that the claim is indeed true, but the story behind it is not as straightforward as it might seem. According to the Bank of Canada, the polymer notes (which include the 100 dollar bill) do have a subtle scent, but it is not due to a deliberate addition of maple syrup. Instead, the scent is a by-product of the manufacturing process.
According to Bank of Canada information, the polymer notes have a faint scent that is noticed more prominently in large stacks or when the bills are freshly printed. This scent is not intentional, but rather a characteristic of the material used in the production of the polymer notes.
The Story Behind the Scent
The idea of maple syrup being a feature of Canadian currency originated during the release of the polymer notes in 2011. A Canadian comedian made the joke about the new polymer notes being uniquely Canadian and being made with a scent of maple syrup to celebrate the country's cultural identity.
This claim gained traction, particularly in American media, and was often repeated as if it was a fact. As a result, it became "common knowledge" among many people.
However, it is important to note that governments do not add scent to daily-use currency, as it would be impractical and cost-prohibitive. The shift to polymer notes already led to a significant increase in production costs, and adding an intentional scent would be an unnecessary expense.
Why the Scent Is Not Maple Syrup
While the scent is often likened to maple syrup, the Bank of Canada has stated that they do not intentionally add any particular fragrance to the bills. The actual scent is a result of the manufacturing process and can be attributed to the materials and chemicals used in the production of the polymer notes.
Specifically, the polymer used in the notes may contain certain compounds that create a subtle scent. This is not unique to Canadian notes but is a characteristic of many polymer-based products. It is more noticeable in large stacks or when the bills are freshly printed due to the concentration of these compounds.
For instance, the 50 dollar bill also has this scent, and it is likely that the other polymer notes (20, 10, and 5) also have a noticeable scent, but it may fade due to handling and usage.
Other Unique Currency Features in Canada
While the maple scent is one of the notable features of Canadian polymer notes, the country also takes pride in its unique currency designs and practices. Canada has a rich history of producing special edition coins and notes for different occasions and commemorative events.
Collectors Editions and Commemorative Coins: Canada has a tradition of producing special edition coins for collectors and commemorative events. For example, the poppy flower quarter was produced to commemorate those who have fallen in battle. Other commemorative coins include designs representing natural landscapes, historical events, and cultural symbols.
Hologram and Glow in the Dark Coins: In recent times, the Royal Canadian Mint has introduced hologram and glow in the dark coins for general circulation. These special features make the coins not only attractive to collectors but also intriguing to the general public.
Overall, while the maple scent on Canadian polymer notes is an interesting feature, it is a result of the production process rather than a deliberate design choice. Canada's unique currency designs and practices continue to captivate both collectors and the general public, adding to the rich cultural heritage of the nation.