Although some people have classified Canada’s new polymer notes as “Monopoly money,” the new official currency for the country is anything but fake.

Canada’s new secure, durable, and plastic $100 bill was launched Monday Nov.14 across the country.

 

Cheryl Walter, in charge of ordering currency for RBC’s downtown branch, says she fielded questions all day Monday regarding the new note.

“People are really excited. They just want to have them already.”

Walter expects the new notes to be delivered sometime between now and Nov.25.

Remaining denominations will be released throughout the next two years.

Next in line to be released are the $50 and $20 notes, scheduled to make their debut in March 2012. Followed by the $10 and $5 in late 2013.  Several countries are already using polymer currency, such as Australia and Vietnam.

However, the true reasoning behind the polymer notes comes down to the undermining of counterfeiting.

Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of Canada, says the change will protect Canadians against tomorrow’s counterfeiting threats.

The Bank of Canada has been diligently working with retailers as well as law enforcement officers all over Canada in preparation for the new currency. The Bank has dealt with everything from familiarizing cash handlers with the new security features, to encouraging regular authentication of notes.

Carney handled the official release of the new note Monday in Toronto.

The new polymer notes will not only have a longer pocket-life, but also have a greener production method.

Carney said that the notes should last 2½ times longer and will be recycled, making it better for the environment.

Highlights of the new security features include select transparent areas, raised ink, and even metallic portraits.

The Bank of Canada says the security features classify this currency as leading-edge and among the most advanced in the world.