Scotland

Scotland BOS new 20-pound polymer notes unveiled

According to an article in The Sunday Post dated 7 November 2019 and an article on YourMoney.com, the Bank of Scotland has unveiled the designs of two new 20-pound notes dated 1st June 2019, the fronts of which both feature a portrait of poet Sir Walter Scott. The back of the regular issue 20-pound note depicts the Forth Bridge while the back of the commemorative note depicts the Queensferry Crossing. Both notes are printed by De La Rue on polymer (Guardian) substrate and measure 139 x 73 mm, consistent with the new reduced-size notes from the Bank of England and other UK banks also expected to be introduced in early 2020.

Scotland_BOS_20_pounds_2019.06.01_BNLas_PNLs_AA_123456_fScotland_BOS_20_pounds_2019.06.01_BNLs_PNLs_AA_123456_rScotland_BOS_20_pounds_2020.00.00_BNL_PNL_r

Scotland Royal Bank of Scotland new date (04.04.2017) 20-pound note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_20_pounds_2017.04.04_P354_C-70_125255_f
Scotland_RBS_20_pounds_2017.04.04_P354_C-70_125255_r
Like P354f, but new date (4th APRIL 2017). Prefix C/70.

Courtesy of Olexandr Danishenko.

Royal Bank of Scotland unveils design of new 20-pound polymer note

According to a press release dated 24 October 2018, the Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of its first 20-pound polymer note which features the historic Scottish entrepreneur Kate Cranston on front, and features red squirrels and blaeberry fruit on back. It also includes extracts from 16th century Scottish poet Mark Alexander Boyd’s work, Cupid and Venus. The 20-pound note printed by De La Rue on Safeguard substrate is the third denomination in the “Fabric of Nature” series, and is planned for introduction in 2020.



Courtesy of Ray Allen, David Hunter, Don Ludwig, and Christopher Nield.

Bank of Scotland charity auction 10-pound notes confirmed

On 1 December 2017, Spink concluded an auction of new Bank of Scotland 10-pound notes to raise money for the charity Mental Health UK. There were two notes with special 8-character serial numbers chosen by the winning bidders, plus 36 other notes with prefixes and serial numbers designed to appeal to railroad enthusiasts. 18 notes each with BR (British Railway) and LMS (London Midland Scotland) prefixes were sold with serial numbers corresponding to the number on each of the Stanier Black 5 locomotives in preservation today. The LMS notes also feature an overprinted “totem” sign at upper left back corresponding to a station: Ardlui, Arrochar And Tarbet, Banavie, Bridge Of Orchy, Corrour, Crianlarich Upper, Fort William, Garelochhead, Glenfinnan, Helensburgh-Upper, Lochailort, Locheilside, Morar, Rannoch, Roy Bridge, Spean Bridge, Tulloch, and Tyndrum Upper.

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BR_45305_f
Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BR_45305_r

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_LMS_5305_fScotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_LMS_5305_r

Courtesy of Olin Yeh.

Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BB_950750_f
Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_BB_950750_r

Courtesy of Hartmut Fraunhoffer (Banknote-Online).

Royal Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_111111_f
Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_111111_r
Brown, orange, and red. Front: English text; flowers; bank logo in SPARK Orbital; exerpt from Somerville’s “The Connection of the Physical Sciences;” beach of Somerville’s hometown, Burntisland; mathematician and astronomer Mary Somerville. Back: English text; botanicals used in dyeing; two otters; excerpt from Norman MacCaig’s poem, “Moorings.” No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (Thomas De La Rue). 132 x 69 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
a. 26th December 2016. Prefix AA - AC. Intro: 04.10.2017.

Courtesy of Dennis Zammit.

Scotland Clydesdale Bank new 10-pound polymer note confirmed

On 21 September 2017, the Clydesdale Bank introduced a new 10-pound polymer note.

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_B400a_PNL_W-HS_064725_f
Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_B400a_PNL_W-HS_064725_r

Courtesy of Mihai Cristian Vulpe.

Bank of Scotland new 10-pound polymer note unveiled

According to an article in Daily Business dated 29 May 2017, the Bank of Scotland plans to introduce a new 10-pound polymer note in the autumn 2017.

Scotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_fScotland_BOS_10_pounds_2016.06.01_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.

Scotland's Royal Bank new 5-pound polymer note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AY_673500_fScotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AY_673500_r
5 pounds
Blue, green, and orange. Front: Flower; bank logo in SPARK; Cairngorms mountain range in eastern Highlands of Scotland; quote from Nan Shepherd’s book “The Living Mountain;” poet and novelist Nan Shepherd. Back: Two mackerel fish; excerpt from Sorley MacLean’s poem “The Choice.” No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (TDLR). 125 x 65 mm. Polymer (Safeguard). a. 11th February 2016. Prefix AY. Intro: 26.10.2016.

Bank of Scotland new 5-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2016.03.25_BNL_PNL_AD_393200_f
Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2016.03.25_BNL_PNL_AD_393200_r
On front, like the limited edition commemorative 5-pound banknote featuring Pudsey bear, but intended for general circulation and without the bear on back, which is like P124.

Courtesy of Peter Mosselberger (http://www.banknote.ws).

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new sig/date (13.02.2016) 5-pound polymer commemorative confirmed

According to an article in the Daily Record dated 27 September 2016, the Clydesdale Bank has begun withdrawing paper 5-pound notes and is now issuing a polymer 5-pound banknote, like the commemorative previously issued, but with new date (13th February 2016) and new signature of CEO David Duffy. The text on the back has also changed rom "UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination" to "Scottish World Heritage Site Inscribed 2015," and a similar change to the front, from "UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination" to "Scottish World Heritage Site."

Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2016.02.13_PNL_W-HS_000000_fScotland_CB_5_pounds_2016.02.13_PNL_W-HS_000000_r

Courtesy of Zbyszek Warszawski and Quality World Currency.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new date (25.01.2014) 10-pound note confirmed

Like P229J, but new date (25th January 2014). Prefix W/LB.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Royal Bank of Scotland new sig/date (31.01.2016) 20-pound note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_20_pounds_2016.01.31_P354_C-47_431979_f
Like P354, but new signature (Ross McEwan) and new date (31st JANUARY 2016). Prefix C/47.

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

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new sig/date (16.08.2015) 50-pound note confirmed

Scotland_CB_50_pounds_2015.08.16_P229Lb_W-HU_107500_f
Scotland_CB_50_pounds_2015.08.16_P229Lb_W-HU_107500_r
Like P229L, but new signature (David J. Duffy) and new date (16th August 2015). Prefix W/HU. Intro: June 2016.

Courtesy of Andrew Balsillie.

Scotland new 5- and 10-pound polymer note designs unveiled

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_f
Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2016.02.11_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r

Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_f
Scotland_RBS_10_pounds_2016.12.26_BNL_PNL_AA_123456_r
According to a Royal Bank of Scotland press release dated 25 April 2016, Scottish poet and novelist Nan Shepherd will appear on a new batch of polymer £5 notes. The writer joins scientist Mary Somerville, who was chosen for the new £10 note in a public poll, meaning women will feature on RBS main issue notes for the first time. Shepherd was an English lecturer at Aberdeen College of Education but also wrote novels, poetry and non-fiction, with the Scottish landscape and weather a major influence on her work. The back of the new notes have a nature theme with two mackerel displayed on the £5 note and two otters on the £10.

The new 5-pound note will be introduced later in 2016, and the 10-pound note will be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of Alex Zlotin.



Scotland announces scientist Mary Somerville to appear on new 10-pound note

According to an article in The Guardian dated 10 February 2016, the new polymer 10-pound note scheduled to issued in 2017 by the Royal Bank of Scotland will feature a portrait of scientist Mary Somerville, making her the first woman other than a royal to appear on an RBS banknote.

Courtesy of Mark Irwin and David Hunter.

Royal Bank of Scotland names 3 scientists as candidates for new 10-pound polymer note

According to a press release dated 31 January 2015, "Royal Bank of Scotland has named three Scottish scientists, two men and one woman, on the shortlist of candidates to appear on its first plastic 10 pound note.

The three are physicist James Clerk Maxwell, Mary Somerville, the first female member of the Royal Astronomical Society, and civil engineer Thomas Telford, known as the "Colossus of Roads".

More than 400 people took part in the selection of the 128 nominees, who had to be Scottish historical figures or people who had made a major contribution to Scotland in science and innovation.

Maxwell (1831-1879), a hero of Albert Einstein, discovered the unified theory of electricity and magnetism.

Somerville (1780-1872) was a pioneer as a female scientist when women’s participation was discouraged. Her writings ultimately led to the discovery of the planet Neptune.

Telford (1757-1843) built more than 1,000 miles of roads in his lifetime and in Scotland designed harbors, tunnels and the Caledonian Canal.

The decision on who to put on new banknotes can be controversial. The Bank of England was criticized in 2013 for the removal of the only female figure on its notes, social reformer Elizabeth Fry. Novelist Jane Austen was subsequently chosen to appear on new 10 pound notes."


Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 10-pound polymer note unveiled

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2017.01.25_BNL_PNL_HS_012345_f
On 22 January 2016, David Duffy, chief executive officer at Clydesdale Bank, unveiled the redesigned polymer 10-pound note featuring a portrait of Robert Burns on the front and views of Edinburgh and its castle on the back. The new note is expected to be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of David Hunter.


Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new sig/date (11.07.2015) 20-pound note confirmed

According to an article in The Telegraph dated 29 November 2015, Clydesdale Bank introduced its 20-pound note (P229K) with the signature of Debbie Crosbie, the bank's chief operating officer. This is the first time ever that a Scottish note is signed by a woman. The note is dated 11th July 2015 and was issued 26.11.2015.

Debbie_Crosbie_wit_3513155b

Scotland_CB_20_pounds_2015.07.11_P229K_W-ML_042066_f
Scotland_CB_20_pounds_2015.07.11_P229K_W-ML_042066_r

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

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new 5-pound polymer commemorative note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2015.07.17_BNL_PNL_PUDSEY_27_fScotland_BOS_5_pounds_2015.07.17_BNL_PNL_PUDSEY_27_r
According to a press release dated 8 October 2015, the Bank of Scotland has unveiled the limited edition commemorative 5-pound banknote to be auctioned in aid of BBC Children in Need in November. The notes feature a picture of the charity’s Pudsey bear in a design produced by 13-year old Kayla Robson who won the Bank of Scotland’s competition to design a banknote. Just 50 of these notes have been produced by De La Rue and the use of the Safeguard substrate has allowed novel use of secure windows in the image of the Bank’s headquarters The Mound in Edinburgh.

The serial numbers on the note will also be unique with the first 40 notes using the serial code PUDSEY01 – PUDSEY40. The remaining 10 banknotes will be available for personalized serial numbers such as initials and date of birth. After the one-off charity auction, most of the rest of the notes will be auctioned by Spinks auction house in December 2015.

Courtesy of Stane Straus, Aidan Work, and Pam West (http://britishnotes.co.uk).


Royal Bank of Scotland's new 5- and 10-pound notes to use DLR's Safegaurd polymer substrate

According to a press release dated 7 September 2015, security printer De La Rue announced that the Royal Bank of Scotland's new design 5- and 10-pound banknotes will be issued on DLR's Safeguard polymer substrate. The new notes will be smaller than the existing ones (P352 and P353) and be completely re-designed with new themes and portrait subjects. The designs will be partly revealed in the coming months and, in line with other UK issuing authorities, it is planned that the new 5-pound note will be issued in the second half of 2016 with the 10-pound note to follow in 2017.

Commented David Wheldon, chief marketing officer at the Royal Bank of Scotland, “The move to polymer notes will bring significant benefits to all those who use them. They will be smaller, cleaner and more secure. We are grateful for De La Rue’s assistance with this important project.”

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new 5- and 10-pound notes to be polymer issues

According to an article on Daily Business dated 1 June 2015, the Bank of Scotland plans to issue new 5- and 10-pound notes on polymer.

In November 2015, fifty 5-pound notes bearing winning designs from a children's competition will be auctioned to benefit the BBC Children in Need charity.

The new circulating 5-pound note won't be introduced until the second half of 2015 and its design will be a modified version of the existing note (P124), which was originally issued in 2007. The new note is printed by De La Rue is said to be 125 x 65 mm, slightly smaller than the current 135 x 70 mm.

A new polymer 10-pound note is to be introduced in 2017.

Courtesy of Alex Alotin.

Scotland chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


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

This 20-page catalog covers notes issued by the British Linen Bank from 1907 to 1970 and the National Commercial Bank of Scotland Limited from 1959 to 1968. Revised 2 September 2016.

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.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Sign up

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 5-pound polymer commemorative confirmed

Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2015.02.13_PNL_FB-1_435488_f
Scotland_CB_5_pounds_2015.02.13_PNL_FB-1_435488_r
According to a post on BBC.com dated 23 March 2015, the Clydesdale Bank has begun issuing the first of two million 5-pound polymer banknotes to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge. The polymer note is physically smaller (125 x 65 mm) than the paper note (137 x 70 mm) of the same denomination.

Courtesy of Max Keller, Clea Phas, Claudio Marana, Aidan Work, and James Cadman.

Bank of Scotland new sig/date (01.08.2011) 100-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_100_pounds_2011.08.01_P128_AB_105257_sig
100 pounds, 1st AUGUST 2011. Like P128, but new date and new signatures (António Horta-Osório and Philip Grant). Prefix AB.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Peter Mosselberger.

Bank of Scotland new sig/date (19.01.2009) 5-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_5_pounds_2009.01.01_P124_AR_337923_sig
5 pounds, 19th JANUARY 2009. Like P124, but new date and new signatures.

Courtesy of Alberto Fochi.

Scotland new sig/date (30.11.2010) 5- and 10-pound notes confirmed

5 pounds, 30th NOVEMBER 2010. Like P352, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester).

10 pounds, 30th NOVEMBER 2010. Like P353, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester).

Courtesy of Tomasz Jazwinski.

Scotland's Royal Bank of Scotland new 5-pound Ryder Cup commemorative Hybrid note confirmed

According to a BBC article dated 15 June 2014, the Royal Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of a new 5-pound note commemorating the Ryder Cup. The notes will be available to ticket-holders of the golf tournament which takes place at Gleneagles in Perthshire from 23 - 28 September 2014. The note is legal tender, though it is being sold as a numismatic product for US$32.

The note is printed by G&D on hybrid substrate with a see-through window in the shape of the Ryder Cup trophy, and is the first to bear the signature of new RBS chief executive Ross McEwan.

Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_f
Scotland_RBS_5_pounds_2014.09.22_BTK_PNL_RCE_001766_r
Blue, green, orange, red, and yellow. Front: SPARK Ryder Cup trophy; bank headquarters building and equestrian statue with Earl of Hopetoun in St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh; coat of arms; Lord Ilay (Archibald Campbell), first bank governor wearing powdered wig. Back: Ryder Cup 2014 logo; PGA Centenary Course; golf clubs; Ryder Cup trophy; Gleneagles Hotel. Windowed security thread. Watermark: Lord Ilay and electrotype £5. Printer: Giesecke & Devrient. 135 x 70 mm. Hybrid.
a. 22nd SEPTEMBER 2014. Signature Ross McEwan. Prefix RCE. Intro: July 2014.

Courtesy of Cleo Phas and Max Keller.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank to issue new 5-pound polymer commemorative in 2015

_75025357_fiverforth
According to a BBC News article dated 22 May 2014, Clydesdale Bank in Scotland intends to issue two million 5-pound polymer notes featuring the Forth Bridge and a portrait of Sir William Arrol, whose company constructed the bridge. The notes will be issued in March 2015 on the 125th anniversary of the bridge.

Courtesy of Jake Numismatics.

Bank of England 1- and 100-million pound notes in video


Check out this video from Channel 4 News in which you can view the Bank of England's 1-million and 100-million pound notes.

Scotland Royal Bank new sig/date (23.06.2012) 20-pound note reported

20 pounds, 23rd MAY 2012. Like P354, but new date and signature (Stephen Hester).

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Scotland Clydesdale Bank new title/date (2013) 10- and 20-pound notes confirmed

Scotland_CB_10_pounds_2013.01.25_P229J_W-KP_000005_sig
10 pounds, 25th January 2013. Like P229J, but new date and new signature title.

20 pounds, 11th July 2013. Like P229K, but new date and new signature title.

Courtesy of Andrew Balsillie.

Scotland's Bank of Scotland new sig/date (01.19.2009) 20-pound note confirmed

Scotland_BOS_20_pounds_2009.01.19_P126_BX_342171_sig
20 pounds, 19th JANUARY 2009. Like P126, but new date and signatures (Daniels/Kane).

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

Scotland's Royal Bank new date (20.12.2007) 10-pound note confirmed

10 pounds, 20th DECEMBER 2007. Like P353, but new date.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below.

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

Press release: The Banknote Yearbook 8th Edition

Banknote_Yearbook

Scotland Royal Bank new date (20.12.2007) 100-pound note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_100_P_2007.12.20_P350_A-2_915014_sig
100 pounds (US$162), 20TH DECEMBER 2007. Like P350, but new date.

Courtesy of Yuri Minkin.

Royal Bank of Scotland new sig/date (30.11.2010) 20-pound note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_20_P_2010.11.30_P354_C-10_190634_sig
20 pounds (US$31), 30th NOVEMBER 2010. Like P354, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester).

Courtesy of Pam West.

Scotland new 10-pound commemorative note confirmed

Scotland_RBS_10_P_2012.05.23_PNL_TQDJ_1569933_f
Scotland_RBS_10_P_2012.05.23_PNL_TQDJ_1569933_r
Scotland_RBS_10_P_2012.05.23_PNL_TQDJ_1569933_sig
On 23 May 2012, the Royal Bank of Scotland introduced a new 10-pound (US$16) note commemorating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The note is dated 6 February, the anniversary of the day of Her Majesty's accession to the throne.

Other features include:
  • the official crown emblem of the Diamond Jubilee
  • four intaglio portraits of the Queen, showing her at different stages in her life
  • an engraving of a window in Holyrood Abbey
  • a thistle design, related to the Order of the Thistle
  • serial numbers with the prefix TQDJ, standing for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The note is available in branches in Scotland. Customers outside Scotland can order up to 20 notes for the face value plus 5.90 pounds postage. Two million of the notes will be issued, with initial supplies already in circulation, to celebrate the Queen's 60-year reign.

Some of the new notes, and other rare RBS banknotes, will be sold at a charity auction later in the year, with the proceeds going to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Charity Trust. Notes with special serial numbers have been donated to the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), Oxfam, National Museum of Scotland, Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Golf Union and the STV Children's Appeal.

Courtesy of Alessio Amato, Jens Luettschwager, Pam West.

Royal Bank of Scotland to auction rare notes

According to an article on Scotsman.com dated 19 May 2012, the Royal Bank of Scotland will auction off some of its rare notes at a charity benefit for the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubliee Trust.

Scotland new sig/date (01.08.2011) 5- and 50-pound notes confirmed

Scotland_BOS_50_P_2011.08.01_P127_AC_002088_sig
5 pounds (US$7.90) and 50 pounds (US$79.25), 1st AUGUST 2011. Like P124 and P127, respectively, but new date and new signatures (Antonio Horta-Osorio and P. Grant).

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

Scotland RBS new sig/date (21.11.2008) 5-pound note confirmed


5 pounds (US$7.85), 21st NOVEMBER 2008. Like P352, but new date and new signature (Stephen Hester). The first prefix with this sig/date is B/97.

Scotland new sig/date (19.01.2009) 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$80), 19th JANUARY 2009. Like P127, but new date and signatures (Daniels/Archie G. Kane Jr.).

Courtesy of Alan Bergson.

Scotland replacement note info requested

Collector Mick Wilson is trying to obtain a full breakdown of replacement Scottish banknotes.

He seeks info on the following:

Bank of issue
Denomination
Date on note
Serial number
300-dpi scans of the note.

Anyone who can assist Mick is encouraged to email him directly.

IACA Excellence in Currency Awards announced

The following is the full text of a press release dated 25 May 2010:

A new family of banknotes from Scotland’s Clydesdale Bank was one of the outstanding winners at the International Association of Currency Affairs’ (IACA) Excellence in Currency Awards, sponsored by ‘Currency News’.

A high calibre of entries and some very close voting in several categories marked this year’s awards - the third event – the presentation of which took place during the gala dinner on May 12 at the Currency Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The 2010 awards saw the Lifetime Achievement Award go to Roland Tornare, the recently retired director of the Issue Department at the Swiss national Bank (1985 – 2007). His extensive experience in the field of banknote design and involvement in creating the current Swiss banknote series were cited by Currency Conference chairman Richard Haycock, who presented the awards.

Clydesdale Bank won the hotly-contested Best New Banknote Series Award for its family of banknotes celebrating the best of Scotland’s heritage, people and culture. The front of each note honours a prominent and innovative Scot while the reverse features one of Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites. The bank designed the new notes to ensure that everyone, including the visually impaired, could use the notes with confidence, while the use of vibrant colours, different sizes, bold fonts, and raised bars to assist in note denomination has been appreciated by the Royal Blind, a foundation devoted to the welfare of blind people.

Category runners up were the Central Bank of Armenia for its 100,000 Dram banknote and the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey for a new series which completed the country’s currency reform started in 2005.

Clydesdale’s year-long media communications initiative from the launch of the initial designs right through to the introduction of the notes into circulation earned it the Best Currency Public Education Program. The move ensured its new notes were welcomed by consumers and readily accepted by retailers.

The National Bank of Denmark and the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey were category runners-up.

The Best New Coin Series Award went to the Royal Canadian Mint for The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Circulation Collection. In the run up to the Olympics, the Royal Canadian Mint released 12 Vancouver 2010 circulation quarters (25 cents) plus two lucky loonies ($1 coins) - each individual quarter represented a different Olympic Winter sport.

Runner up awards went to two new circulation coin series, issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the Reserve Bank of Fiji respectively.

Pixel Watermark, a development of Arjowiggins Security which appeared in the Bank of Mexico’s 200 Peso note commemorating the country’s bicentennial, won the award for the Best New Currency Feature. Printed on paper in a vertical design format and including a multi-tonal watermark in the form of an angel, the wing of which was created with a Pixel™ Watermark, this was the first time such a feature had appeared on a banknote.

De La Rue’s Depth Image and Magic Varifeye® (from Louisenthal) were the competitors who both received runner up awards. Voting results were very close in this category.

For the first time ever there was a tied result for the Best Currency Website. IACA members voted equally for the European Central Bank and the Central Bank of Chile for the detailed currency information found on their respective websites.

While the two sites are very different in their approach and perhaps the resources available for website development, both use video and interactive notes to help their public understand the design and security features preset. The Monetary Authority of Singapore was a close runner up.

Speaking at the awards, Richard Haycock said: “I would like to congratulate all this year’s winners and runners-up for their outstanding contribution to the currency industry.

“All have demonstrated the highest standards of technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical, eye-catching and cost effective currency products, which we as an industry can be proud of.

“This year’s ceremony has been an unequivocal success and I very much look forward to the continuing high standards being recognised at the next awards, which will undoubtedly be even bigger and better.”

The IACA awards were launched in 2007 to promote and recognise excellence in currency production, processing, management and distribution. They are open to any organisation or individual supplying products, services or systems for currency production or management. The IACA awards committee draws up a shortlist of three nominations in each category, and IACA members vote for the winners.

Nominations for the fourth IACA Awards will commence shortly via www.currencyaffairs.org. They will be presented at the next Currency Conference, which will take place in October 2011 in Singapore.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 100-pound note confirmed


On 15 December 2009, Clydesdale Bank introduced a new 100-pound (US$161) banknote featuring artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh on the front and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney on the back. This is the last denomination to be issued in the new world heritage series marking the Year of Homecoming. The new notes are the first in the UK to use a new “depth image” hologram security feature in the form of a moving image behind the prominent front picture.

Courtesy of Colin Meikle.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 10-pound note introduced


On 30 November 2009, Clydesdale Bank introduced a new 10-pound (US$16.40) world heritage banknote featuring Robert Burns on the front and Edinburgh’s old and new towns on the back. Clydesdale chief executive Lynne Peacock said: “The new £10 note reflects the excellent reputation Scotland’s people and locations have across the world. As a bank, we are extremely proud to highlight the impact of Robert Burns’s work, as well as the country’s history with the old and new towns of Edinburgh.”

The new £100 note—the last denomination to be released in this new series— is scheduled for introduction in mid-December. The new notes are the first in the UK to use a new “depth image” hologram security feature in the form of a moving image behind the prominent front picture.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$82.50). Issued 2 November 2009.

Courtesy of Ricardo Castedo.

Scotland new 5- and 10-pound notes confirmed


5 pounds (US$8.25). To be issued 19 November 2009.


10 pounds (US$16.50). To be issued 5 November 2009.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new 20-pound note confirmed


On 19 October 2009, Clydesdale Bank introduced a new 20-pound (US$32.60) world heritage banknote featuring Robert the Bruce on the front and the historic mill house New Lanark on the back. Other denominations will gradually enter circulation over the remainder of year, beginning with the £50 note, then the £5 and the £10, with a £100 note coming out in mid-December. Each note will feature a prominant Scottish individual, whilst depicting one of the country’s five world heritage sites on the other side.

Courtesy of Alessio Amato.

Scotland green 1968 1-pound note reported

Collector Kevin Forbes has reported an interesting Bank of Scotland note dated 17th JULY 1968 (Pick 109a) with serial number prefix A/1 which is predominantly green in color as opposed to the “correct” color ochre as listed in the SCWPM, seen on the same notes with serial number prefix A/3 below. Both notes are scanned on the same equipment using the same settings, so the color variance as shown is true. The question is whether this is a unique error note, or if the bank subtly changed the color of this denomination over time to distinguish it from the green 5-pound note of the same series. Anyone who collects Scotland is encouraged to check their notes for examples close to the A/1 0250641 serial number to determine if there are other notes that exhibit this color scheme. If anyone has an explanation, please share your theories by posting a comment.





Courtesy of Kevin Forbes.

Clydesdale Bank of Scotland new date (2006) 50-pound note confirmed


50 pounds (US$82.10)
Like Pick 225, but new date (9th JANUARY 2006) and new signature (David Thorburn).

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Scotland may commemorate Commonwealth Games with note

Labour MSP Margaret Curran has written to the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland, and the Clydesdale Bank urging them to consider issuing a commemorative banknote to mark the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. No word yet on whether any of the banks will take up the idea.

Royal Bank of Scotland new date (20.12.2007) 20-pound note confirmed


20 pounds (US$28), 20TH DECEMBER 2007. Like P354, but new date. Printer: THOMAS DE LA© 2009: Images may be freely reproduced. RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank unveils new notes

At Edinburgh Castle on January 14, 2009, First Minister Alex Salmond and the Clydesdale Bank’s chief operating officer David Thorburn announced that a new series of banknotes had been designed to celebrate the best of Scotland’s heritage, people, and culture, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns and the Year of Homecoming 2009. The new notes will enter circulation in late autumn 2009.

The new family of banknotes celebrates famous Scots on the front and the five World Heritage Sites in Scotland on the back, drawing on the Homecoming themes of Burns, Great Minds and Innovation, Culture and Heritage. The new designs are:


£5: Scientist Sir Alexander Fleming and St. Kilda


£10: Poet Robert Burns and The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh


£20: King Robert the Bruce and New Lanark


£50: Suffragette Elsie Inglis and The Antonine Wall


£100: Architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney

These notes will be the first in the UK to have a new “depth image” security hologram, whatever that means. From the images released to the press, it appears only the 100-pound note has a hologram on front to the right of the portrait. Also, the notes bear the signature of David Thorburn.

Royal Bank of Scotland new date (19.09.2006) 10-pound note confirmed


10 pounds (US$19.70), 19th SEPTEMBER 2006. Like P353, but new date. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. The signature of the group chief executive remains that of Fred Goodwin.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana.

Clydesdale Bank of Scotland new date (2006) 20-pound note confirmed


20 pounds (US$39.10), 24th JUNE 2006. Front like P229E, back like P221, but new date.

Anyone interested in buying this note can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Courtesy of Barry Boswell (www.collectpapermoney.co.uk).

Scotland new date (16.04.2007) Clydesdale £10 note confirmed


10 pounds (US$20.85), 16th APRIL 2007. Like P226, but new date.

Bank of Scotland new date (2006) 5-pound note confirmed


Pick 119: 5 pounds, 1st January 2006. New date and new signatures (Dennis Stevenson, Governor; Colin Matthew, Treasurer).

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Scotland's Clydesdale Bank new date (2006) £10 note confirmed



The (Scottish) Clydesdale Bank has issued a new £10 dated 14th March 2006, signed David Thornburn, Chief Operating Officer. At first glance it appears to be just a new date variety, but it is actually a new plate. Close examination reveals that the bank logo at center on the front has been redesigned with a much larger CB (compare detail above from Pick 226e at left with new note at right).

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Royal Bank of Scotland new date (2005) 5-pound note confirmed


The Royal Bank of Scotland has issued a new £5 dated 20th January 2005. The signature of the group chief executive remains that of Fred Goodwin, as on Pick 352d dated 27.6.2000.

Courtesy of John Martin (IBNS member 6727).

Clydesdale Bank commemorates Robert the Bruce on 20-pound note


20 pounds (US$39.15), 25th March 2006. Issued December 21, 2006. Like Pick 228f, but RB prefix, new bank logo, Bruce’s original heraldic shield plus 700th anniversary 1306 - 2006 at right, and 700th anniversary of the enthronement of Robert the Bruce as King of Scots, which took place at Scone Palace on 25 March 1306 on back.

Courtesy of Noteboy.

Clydesdale Bank issues new date (14.3.2006) 10-pound note


10 pounds (US$19.45), 14th March 2006. Like Pick 226, but new date.

Courtesy of banknoteshop@gmx.net.

Bank of Scotland unveils new note family featuring bridges

The Bank of Scotland announced that it intends to release a new family of banknotes in the autumn of 2007 (they are all dated 17th SEPTEMBER 2007). The new notes—printed by De La Rue—will retain the color scheme and physical size as the current series. This is the first new complete family of notes issued by the bank since 1995. The old notes will be slowly withdrawn from circulation.

The front of the new notes all share a portrait of Sir Walter Scott at center, and to the left a larger image of the Bank of Scotland’s head office on The Mound, Edinburgh. The notes also bear new signatures (Dennis Stevenson, Governor; Colin Matthew, Treasurer), Scott as watermark along with the numerals of the denomination as an electrotype watermark, Cornerstone watermarks, microprinting, four thistles in UV ink, the bank logo as registration device, intaglio printing, and vertical and horizontal novel serial numbers.


5 pounds (US$10). Blue. Thin windowed security thread, iridescent band at right. Brig o’ Doon over the Doon River near Alloway in Ayrshire on back. 135 x 70 mm.    


10 pounds (US$20). Brown. Thin windowed security thread, iridescent band at right. Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Railway line between Fort William and Mallaig on back. 142 x 75 mm.


20 pounds (US$40). Pink. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Forth Bridge in Queensferry on back. 149 x 80 mm.


50 pounds (US$100). Green. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Falkirk Wheel rotating boat lift on back. 156 x 85 mm.


100 pounds (US$200). Red. Wide windowed security thread that changes red to green when tilted, hologram of bank logo and denomination. Kessock Bridge over the Moray and Beauly Firths between Inverness and the Black Isle on back. 163 x 90 mm.

Courtesy of the Bank of Scotland.