England contemplating polymer notes

According to an article in The Independent dated 4 September 2011, the Bank of England is considering a polymer 5-pound (US$8.05) note and a 50-pound (US$80) note with a transparent window (most likely De La Rue’s Optiks) to improve durability and protect against counterfeiting.

A source close to the BoE said: "This is at the evaluation stage. A decision won't be made for the next year or two and production a little while after that, but a plastic £5 note is a possibility even though it won't provide as much security as other options."

Courtesy Thomas Krause and Richard Miranda.