The Dominion of Canada notes were first printed in 1870 with the introduction of the fractional 25c note, or "shinplaster". Shinplasters came into existence due to a problem of incoming U.S. silver which was depreciated below the gold standard. The government felt a temporary measure was needed to stop this influx of unwanted silver, and so, came up with the 25c note. The measure worked, as the silver was sent back to New York. Far from temporary, the notes became very popular and were issued for another 65 years.