I JUST GOT THIS AS WELL
Mike,
Thank you for your inquiry concerning a specimen $5 bank note being offered for sale on eBay.
The Bank of Canada cannot establish the authenticity of a specimen note without examining it. However, whenever a new note or series is issued, the Bank does provide other central banks, certain law enforcement agencies, and various Bank of Canada employees with specimen notes for authentication and education or training purposes. Should you bid on this item, you do so at your own risk, as specimen notes were not intended for circulation.
Best regards,
Michael Duncan
Bank of Canada
Compliance Program Manager (Currency)
Department of Banking Operations
234 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G9
Telephone: 613 782-7057
Cell: 613 222-9054
Facsimile: 613 782-7533
Email: mduncan@bankofcanada.ca