Canada bank decries 'spocking' currency

In tribute to Leonard Nimoy, $5 bill touched up to look like Star Trek star

The Bank of Canada urged Star Trek fans to stop marking up the $5 dollar bill to look like recently deceased Jewish actor Leonard Nimoy, a trend that has come to be known as “spocking.”

The trend of transforming the artistic rendering of Canada’s seventh prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier into the beloved actor exploded after the Star Trek star died on Friday at the age of 83.

In response, the Bank of Canada said the practice was not illegal but was “inappropriate,” and may compromise the bills.

“It is not illegal to write or make other markings on bank notes… However, there are important reasons why it should not be done,” spokeswoman Josianne Menard told The Toronto Sun. “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,” she said.

CARRY ON, CANADA "@TheTorontoSun Bank of Canada urges Star Trek fans to stop 'Spocking' fivers http://t.co/1BEkJZvhnA pic.twitter.com/EaJdNzCvW1

— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) March 4, 2015