News

UK's plastic fiver makes a splash — and can take one, too

June 3, 2016

The U.K. got a first look at its first polymer banknote design Thursday as the Bank of England showed off its new five pound banknote.

According to a press release from the bank, the new fiver is cleaner, safer and stronger than paper notes, and allows for a new generation of security features that will make it harder to counterfeit.

"The note is also resistant to dirt and moisture and so remains in much better condition for longer," the release said. "The strength of the polymer material means that the new fiver is expected to last at least 2.5 times longer — around 5 years — even after being folded into wallets and scrunched up in pockets."

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney unveiled the new note, which features a portrait of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill on the back. It will enter circulation in the U.K. on Sept. 13.

Upon the introduction of the polymer note, paper fivers will be gradually withdrawn from circulation; in May 2017 they will cease to become legal tender but may still be exchanged at the Bank of England.

New security features in the note's design include:

• a see-through window whose border changes from purple to green;
• Big Ben shown in gold foil on the front and in silver on the back;
• three separate holograms;
• microlettering that is visible under a microscope; and
• "Bank of England" printed in raised ink.

A polymer 10-pound note is schedule to enter circulation in summer 2017, followed by a polymer 20-pound note by 2020.

The new notes will maintain the existing tiered sizing, bold numerals and color palettes to help people with visual impairments distinguish between denominations. In addition, the 10- and 20-pound notes will feature a series of raised dots. The 5-pound note will be distinguishable by the absence of this feature.