Canada released a new C$100 bill made of plastic on Monday, its first
step in replacing an entire series of banknotes to thwart counterfeiters
and persuade retailers it`s safe to accept big bills, according to
Reuters.
The brown polymer note, identical in size and color to the existing
paper C$100 note, is made with the same plastic used by some 32 other
countries. But Canada is the first to add a metallic hologram that is
especially difficult to fake.
It depicts Canadian innovations in the field of medicine. The bill will
feature an updated portrait of former Canadian prime minister Robert
Borden. That release will be followed by a new $50 bill in March, then
versions of the $20, $10 and $5 by the end of 2013.
The polymer notes are at least 2.5 times more durable than paper money, and considered harder to counterfeit.