bird test notes?

News: Welcome to the Canadian Paper Money Forum.

Just had a very frustrating visit to my local CIBC.  At my request the teller was fanning through a stack of 20s looking for crisp notes when I noticed at the bottom of the pile there appeared to be 3 or 4 crisp bird 10s.  I offered to purchase them but the teller told me it was against their policy.  I sought clarification but she was quite unwilling to elaborate.  I did determine that the bills weren't part of a mutilation pile.  Her answer to most of my questions was that it was a security issue and the information was not meant for the general public.  I asked if they were test notes but again she stated security reasons and clammed up.  I was also told "we start with them and they must remain in the drawer".  Very odd.

Anyone with a similar experience? Thoughts?

That would be an issue to leave alone.  I know for a fact the the tellers have other denomination of notes at the bottom of the stacks of generally one denomination.  Believe me, it is for security.  That is about all I can say for the teller is correct, the reason is not for the general public to know and there is not anything special about the notes.

Tom   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Thank you Tom,
I believe I now know the reason for those notes.

These specific notes that almost all tellers have in their drawer are "registered notes" should this specific teller be robbed.   The serial numbers are recorded and documented, should a robbery take place.   They can eventually be traced when found in circulation to determine the location where these notes were passed.  

I guess the cats out of the bag.