Leonard Nimoy’s death inspires Canadians to ‘spock’ $5 bills
Mar 3, 2015, 1:32 AM | Updated: Apr 24, 2015, 8:05 pm
The death of Leonard Nimoy sent waves of shock and sadness throughout the world.
Nimoy, most prominently known for his role as Spock in the original “Star Trek” television series, died Feb. 27 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In his honor, Canadians began “spocking” their $5 bills, giving former Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier pointy Vulcan ears, angled eyebrows and the signature bowl haircut, CBC News reported.
The Bank of Canada announced Monday it is not illegal to deface bills, although they may not be in circulation as long and risk being denied by retailers.
Tom Bagley, an artist from Calgary, said he did not believe the portraits could result in legal action.
“I don’t know anyone that’s gone to jail for it,” Bagley said to CBC News. “I always thought it was OK as long as the numbers were intact; it still counted as money.”
Not to be outdone, Americans have begun “spocking” their own dollar bills.
