Swindle! Canadian Phantom Banks

New Display!

Rebellion in Canada and a chaotic US economy provide an ideal environment for phantom banks — fictional banks represented by phoney paper currency. A display from the Bank of Canada Museum, Swindle! tells a spirited tale of shysters, suckers, hard times and worthless money. Illustrating the story of one phantom bank, a compelling array of artifacts and fun, historical tableaux build a picture of the precarious economy of 1837 — providing a glimpse into lives of Canadians who lived in this turbulent era.

Lower Level, next to the Canadian Stamp Collection