Bank of Canada executives have urged Star Trek fans to stop a campaign to deface currency as a tribute to late actor Leonard Nimoy.
A drive was launched in the aftermath of Nimoy’s death on Friday to ink the features of his most famous character, Star Trek’s Mr. Spock, on five dollar bills showing a portrait of Canada’s seventh prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
“Live Long and Prosper”
Large numbers of the notes in circulation now show Laurier with Spock’s pointy ears, trademark haircut and eyebrows, a Star Trek badge and the character’s mantra “live long and prosper”.
“Inappropriate”
Bank of Canada spokeswoman, Josianne Menard, has confirmed the stunt is not illegal, but she urges Spock fans to stop.
“It is not illegal to write or make other markings on bank notes… However, there are important reasons why it should not be done. Writing on a bank note may interfere with the security features and reduces its lifespan. Markings on a note may also prevent it from being accepted in a transaction. Furthermore, the Bank of Canada feels that writing and markings on bank notes are inappropriate as they are a symbol of our country and a source of national pride.”
Source: Toronto Sun
#Canada really does put the civil in civil disobedience. #SpockingFives pic.twitter.com/TP9wKE8HYw
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) March 4, 2015
Who knew Canadians are huge Star Trek fans? The banks don’t like it, but it’s not illegal. #SpockingFives #itsathing pic.twitter.com/NukHE0SPOb — Amy Gerrish (@phxmetro) March 4, 2015
Stop what you’re doing and start #SpockingFives. pic.twitter.com/Ihbh3f6PdJ — ♛ Michael Herbert (@KingMikeMedia) March 4, 2015
#StarTrek fans have been told to stop #Spocking the Canadian $5 bill: http://t.co/uPlxBHFuaM #SpockingFives pic.twitter.com/44h2PBoCus
— CanoeShowbiz (@JamShowbiz) March 3, 2015
And it seems it’s not just the Canadians…
@WingsScotland If Canadians can #Spock their 5 dollar bills so can the Scots! #SpockingFives pic.twitter.com/lxRgSR7P0i
— 45Storm (@The45Storm) March 4, 2015
