The £5 note holds significant value in the British currency, despite its small size, due to its long and rich history. The Bank of England first issued the £5 note 230 years ago, on the 15th of April 1793. However, the note was quite distinct from its current form, being much larger and bearing the image of the bank's inaugural governor, Sir John Houblon.
Above is the 1935 £5 note (200mm × 113 mm)
The design of the £5 note has evolved over time. In 1853, notes were first printed with a portrait of Queen Victoria, which remained until 1902, when a new design featuring King Edward VII was introduced. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II made its first appearance in 1957 and remains in circulation today, despite the lack of a change to feature King Charles III.
Above current £5 released 2016 (125mm × 65 mm) By http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Pages/current/current_polymer5.aspx, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50344867
Currently, the £5 note is our lowest denomination in note form and is manufactured using polymer, a type of plastic that is more durable than paper and lasts longer. This has resulted in notes needing to be replaced less often. To prevent counterfeiting, the notes also come equipped with several security features.
The portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, a renowned British politician and Prime Minister during World War II, is featured alongside Queen Elizabeth II on the present £5 note.
Despite undergoing several changes throughout its existence, the £5 note has remained a crucial part of British currency for over two centuries, transitioning from a large piece of paper to a reliable and secure plastic note.
Who features on your lowest banknote? What is the value? Let me know in the comments.
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