Two or three years ago, the British banknotes completed their redesigning process by finally issuing a new £5 note. This had to be recalled after three days. Why, and how much are the notes that had to be recalled worth to banknote collectors today? Which banknote patterns never got redesigned and why?

Kainantu

I think this is an urban myth. The new design £5 banknote, featuring Elizabeth Fry, was first issued on 21 May 2002. It incorporates these security features: raised printing, distinctive paper, sharp lines, clear colors, multi colored numbers, fluorescent number under UV light, micro lettering, metallic thread, copyright symbols, watermark and a densely coloured turquoise circle for the sight impaired. I very much doubt that it would have been recalled with so much security on it. The less secure, older £5 "Stephenson" banknote was withdrawn on midnight 21 November 2003 http://www.bankofengland.co.uk Jan 23 05, 6:50 PM

Flynn_17

Actually, it was recalled, and for a very good reason. Any more takers? Jan 23 05, 6:56 PM

bloomsby

Some of the Elizabeth Fry "fivers" had smudgy red ink and it was easy to rub off the numbers. Jan 23 05, 6:59 PM

Flynn_17

Well done, Bloomsby! The inked security numbers could be rubbed off. Does anyone know which banknote denomination was not re-issued? Jan 23 05, 7:01 PM

Kainantu

All have been redesigned. A £5 note featuring Elizabeth Fry; a £10 note featuring Charles Darwin; a £20 note featuring Sir Edward Elgar; a £50 note featuring Sir John Houblon, the first Governor of the Bank of England. http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/index.htm Jan 23 05, 10:30 PM