Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank new 20-pound note (B941) design unveiled

According to a BusinessFirst article dated 20 August 2019, Ulster Bank has unveiled the design of its new 20-pound polymer note. Building on the design theme of “Living in Nature,” this vertical note focuses on Northern Ireland as a “dwelling place,” and features “street entertainers and their appreciative audience, reflecting local music and culture, as well as tiles, brickwork and patterns inspired by NI’s ubiquitous red-brick tenement buildings. Other elements of the note are drawn from the ornate decoration found on and in famous public buildings, corporate architecture and domestic homes in Derry, Belfast and other cities in Northern Ireland. The note is also incorporating Derry~Londonderry’s much-loved Hallowe’en celebrations into the security features of the note – under a UV light, skeletons and Leisler’s bat – the largest type of bat in Ireland – can be seen.”

2008UB002

Courtesy of Bogdanov Ivan, Богданов Иван (bonistics.org).

Northern Ireland Bank of Ireland new 5-pound note (B136a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2017.05.31_B136a_PNL_AQ_037077_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2017.05.31_B136a_PNL_AQ_037077_r

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).

Northern Ireland Danske Bank new 10-pound note (B503a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2017.07.06_B503a_PNL_AB_4529549_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2017.07.06_B503a_PNL_AB_4529549_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new 5-pound note (B939a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2018.04.12_B939a_PNL_AC_026801_f Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2018.04.12_B939a_PNL_AC_026801_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland First Trust Bank to cease banknote issuance on 30.06.2022

According to a press release dated February 2019, First Trust Bank will cease issuing its own banknotes and will be replacing them with Bank of England notes as they are withdrawn from circulation. The First Trust Bank notes can continue to be used until 30 June 2022, after which time they will cease to be legal tender.

Northern_Ireland_FTB_100_pounds_1998.01.01_B808a_P139b_AA_000082_f
Northern_Ireland_FTB_100_pounds_1998.01.01_B808a_P139b_AA_000082_r

Northern Ireland's Danske and Bank of Ireland new 5- and 10-pound polymer notes reported for February 2019

According to a BBC News article dated 6 November 2018, both Danske and Bank of Ireland plan to introduce new 5- and 10-pound polymer banknotes in Northern Ireland in February 2019. The new notes will be like the current notes, but the substrate changed from paper to polymer.




Courtesy of Don Ludwig and Ray Allen.

Northern Ireland new sig/date (04.04.2017) 10-pound note (B937e) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2017.04.04_B937e_P341a_L_4850837_f
Like B937d, but new signature (Les Matheson) and new date (4th APRIL 2017). Prefix L.

Courtesy of Stefan Rombaut.

Northern Ireland's Bank of Ireland new sig/date (02.03.2017) 10-pound note (B133b) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.03.02_B133b_P87_BB_220174_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.03.02_B133b_P87_BB_220174_r
Like B133a, but new date (2nd March 2017) and new signature (Thomas McAreavey). Prefix BB.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank unveils new 5- and 10-pound polymer notes for 2019 introduction

On 23 May 2018, Ulster Bank unveiled the designs of two new banknotes to be introduced in 2019 under the “Living in Nature” theme. Both notes have vertical designs and are printed on polymer substrate. The blue 5-pound note focuses on Northern Ireland as a place that people pass through and visit, highlighting the importance of the sea and migration. It depicts Strangford Lough in County Down and Brent Geese. The brown 10-pound note focuses on Northern Ireland as a place of growth, both in terms of agriculture and heritage. It depicts Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, the Irish hare and Guelder-rose shrubs. The notes also feature culinary delights associated with the north, namely a king scallop and an Ulster Glade potato.

Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2017.06.02_B939as_PNLs_AA_123456_fNorthern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2017.06.02_B940as_PNLs_AA_123456_f

Courtesy of Mark Irwin, David Hunter, Philip Smith, Muhammad Zeeshan Yameen, Don Ludwig, and Iain Burn.

30% off select chapters of The Banknote Book in print

printedbooks
In response to customer demand, 26 of the largest chapters of The Banknote Book are now available in print.

The following chapters can now be ordered in print directly from Lulu.com or Amazon:

Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Ceylon
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Fiji
Germany
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Italy
Japan
Lebanon
Macau
Northern Ireland
Philippines
Romania
Syria
Thailand
Turkey
Venezuela

Prices range from US$24.99 to US$39.99, depending upon length, and all are professionally printed in full color on 80-pound glossy paper as perfect-bound paperback books.

Anyone purchasing from Lulu.com is entitled to a coupon code good for a free download of the PDF version of the chapter (US$9.99 value).

Use coupon code CYBERMONDAY30 when ordering on Lulu to get 15% off the list price for orders placed before midnight 3 December 2019.

Check Lulu's home page for discount codes on books and shipping.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new date (01.01.2015) 20-pound note (B938g) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_20_pounds_2015.01.01_B938g_P342_M_86513454_fNorthern_Ireland_UBL_20_pounds_2015.01.01_B938g_P342_M_86513454_r
Like B938f, but new date (1st JANUARY 2015). Prefix M.

Northern Ireland Danske Bank new sig/date 20-pound note (B502b) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_DB_20_pounds_2016.07.06_B502b_P213_AB_9862802_f
Like B502a, but new signature (Kevin P. Kingston) and new date (6th July 2016). Prefix AB.

Courtesy of Michael Burman.

Challenge: Identify statue on Northern Ireland notes

Northern_Ireland_FTB_10_pounds_1994.01.10_B801a_P132a_AB_000519_statue
If you can precisely identify the proper name and location of the statue above—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please send me an email, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification. This same statue appears at center front of Northern Ireland B615 to B808.

According to Diarmuid Curran, it's a generic vignette of Hibernia. Can anyone confirm or refute this assertion?

Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank new sig/date (01.01.2013) 5-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2013.01.01_B36b_P340_E_8993658_fNorthern_Ireland_UBL_5_pounds_2013.01.01_B36b_P340_E_8993658_r
5 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2013. Like UBL B36, but new date and new signature (Jim Brown). Prefix E.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Northern Ireland chapter of The Banknote Book is now complete


The Northern Ireland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 70-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Ireland, Belfast Banking Company, National Bank Limited, Northern Bank Limited, Danske Bank, Provincial Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, First Trust Bank, and Ulster Bank. Revised 6 August 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank new date (01.01.2014) 10-pound note confirmed

10 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2014. Like P341, but new date. Prefix K.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new sig/date (01.01.2006) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2006.01.01_P336_E_4984528_sig
10 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2006. Like P336, but new date and new signature (McCarthy). Prefix E.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin.

Northern Ireland First Trust new date (01.06.2009) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 1st JUNE 2009. Like P137, but new date.

Courtesy of "Peter" Shih, Yu-Yu.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new date (01.01.2014) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2014. Like P342b, but new date. Prefix L.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new sig/date (03.01.2012) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2012.01.01_P341_J_1799594_sig
10 pounds, 3rd JANUARY 2012. Like P341, but new date and new signature.

Courtesy of Bill Stubkjaer.

Northern Ireland's Bank of Ireland new notes confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000628_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_5_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000628_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000289_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000289_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_20_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000308_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_20_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000308_r

Northern_Ireland_BOI_50_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000632_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_50_pounds_2013.01.01_PNL_AA_000632_r
According to an article on Belfast Telegraph dated 21 August 2013, the Bank of Ireland UK issued new 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-pound banknotes which look like the exisiting notes, but with new security features, including the introduction of a hologram dual image for £10 and £20 banknotes and a dual image and filigree for the £50 note. The £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes have a wider security thread and an electrotype in the watermark in the form of Bank of Ireland chevrons. The new notes are dated 1st January 2013 and bear the signature of Stephen Matchett, Chief Financial Officer.

Courtesy of Fabien Louart and Hartmut Fraunhoffer (http://www.banknoten.de).

Northern Ireland's Ulster Bank new sig/date (03.01.2012) 20-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_20_P_2012.01.03_P342_K_7474362_sig
20 pounds, 3rd JANUARY 2012. Like P342, but new date, signature, and title.

Courtesy of yuri111.

Northern Ireland's Danske Bank new 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed

Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_B1a_PNL_AA_3103501_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_20_pounds_2012.10.16_B1a_PNL_AA_1130151_rNorthern_Ireland_DB_20_pounds_2012.10.16_B1a_PNL_AA_1130151_f
Northern_Ireland_DB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_B1a_PNL_AA_3103501_r
According to a BBC News article dated 24 June 2013, Danske Bank, formerly Northern Bank, issued 10- and 20-pound notes that look like the existing Northern Bank issues (PNL), but with the bank's new logo and name which changed in November 2012. Existing notes will remain in circulation. The bank no longer issues its own 50- and 100-pound notes and will issue Bank of England notes instead for these denominations.

The 10-pound note is dated 25th January 2013 and the 20-pound note is dated 16th October 2012. Both bear the signature of Gerry Mallon, Chief Executive.

Courtesy of Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).

Northern Ireland's First Trust Bank new sig/date (01.01.2012) 10-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_FTB_10_pounds_2012.01.01_P136_VA_298431_sig
10 pounds, 1st JANUARY 2012. Like P136, but new date and new signature (John Kilty).

Courtesy of Pam West.

Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new date (12.05.2011) 20-pound note confirmed

20 pounds, 12th May 2011. Like unlisted note dated 15th April 2009, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Northern Ireland's Northern Bank to become Danske Bank by end of 2012

According to an article in the Belfast Telegraph dated 11 May 2012, by the end of 2012 Northern Bank will be rebranded under the name of its Danish parent, Danske Bank, with new banknotes in circulation within a year.

According to an article in The Irish News dated 20 October 2012, Northern Bank plans a "full communications programme" in advance of introducing the new Danske Bank-branded banknotes in mid-2013. "Apart from the Northern Bank logo being replaced by a Danske Bank logo all other features of the note will remain basically the same," said the bank.


Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new 20-pound note confirmed

Northern_Ireland_NB_20_P_2009.04.12_PNL_HH_4194795_fNorthern_Ireland_NB_20_P_2009.04.12_PNL_HH_4194795_r
Northern_Ireland_NB_20_P_2009.04.12_PNL_HH_4194795_sig
In 2011, Northern Bank in Belfast introduced a new 20-pound (US$31) note that is like P207, but new date (15th April 2009), new signature, new gold foil, Cornerstone watermarks, and slightly redesigned front and back to accommodate the new bank logo.

Courtesy of Marian Klubert and Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new date (06.11.2006) 20-pound note confirmed


20 pounds (US$30.70), 6 NOVEMBER 2006. Like P206, but new date.

Courtesy of Nazir Rahemtulla.

Northern Ireland's Northern Bank new 10-pound note confirmed


On 29 March 2010, Northern Bank in Belfast introduced a new 10-pound (US$15.10) note that is like P205, but new date, new signature (Gerry Mallon, Chief Executive), new gold foil, Cornerstone watermarks, and slightly redesigned front and back to accommodate the new bank logo.

Courtesy of Jan Ove Larsen.

Ireland's First Trust Bank new date (01.05.2007) £20 note confirmed


20 pounds (US$39.25), 1st MAY 2007. Like P137, but new date and new signature.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Bank of Ireland issues new notes featuring Bushmills distillery

According to a February 12, 2008 report in Drinks International, the Bank of Ireland will issue 5-, 10-, and 20-pound notes, the backs of which feature the Diageo’s Bushmills whiskey distillery in celebration of the distillery’s 400th anniversary. Stephen Kirkpatrick, chief executive of Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland, said: “Because Bank of Ireland is one of the leading business banks in this region, we felt our new notes should feature a business that is symbolic both of our heritage and of our skill in crafting products for a global market.”

Interestingly enough, although all three notes bear the same date, the lowest denomination bears the signature of David McGowan, but the two other notes issued just one month later bear the signature of Stephen Kirkpatrick and a different title.



5 pounds (US$9.90)
Purple. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 136 x 70 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: David McGowan, Chief Executive UK. Introduced 22.04.2008.



10 pounds (US$19.85)
Blue. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 143 x 75 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: Stephen Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive NI. Introduced May 2008.



20 pounds (US$39.70)
Dark green. Front: Bank of Ireland seal (Hibernia seated); six county shields. Back: Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim. Solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. 150 x 80 mm. 20th APRIL 2008. Signature: Stephen Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive NI. Introduced May 2008.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Northern Ireland new sig/date (04.04.2017) 20-pound note (B938h) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_20_pounds_2017.04.04_B938h_P342_Q_0875774_f
Like B938g, but new signature (Les Matheson) and new date (4th APRIL 2017). Prefix Q.

Courtesy of Stefan Rombaut.

Northern Ireland Ulster Bank new 10-pound note (B940a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2018.04.12_B940a_PNL_AH_809191_f Northern_Ireland_UBL_10_pounds_2018.04.12_B940a_PNL_AH_809191_r

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Northern Ireland Bank of Ireland new 10-pound note (B137a) confirmed

Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.05.31_B137a_PNL_AV_299777_f
Northern_Ireland_BOI_10_pounds_2017.05.31_B137a_PNL_AV_299777_r

Courtesy of Stane Štraus (www.polymernotes.org).