Public Input Encouraged for Redesign of UK Banknotes!
The Bank of England has announced a significant redesign of UK banknotes, inviting the public to contribute by voting on six themes for the reverse side of the new £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes. This marks the first major redesign in over 50 years, and the public's input could help shape the future of UK currency.
While the monarch will remain on the front, the themes on the reverse are open for discussion. The six themes include Notable Historical Figures, Nature, Innovation, Architecture & Landmarks, Arts, Culture & Sport, and Historical Events & Movements.
The public can participate by submitting their preferences among these themes or proposing their own ideas. Details on how to contribute are expected to be made available through official Bank of England channels and public engagement platforms. The consultation on the new UK banknote themes is open until 31st July 2025.
Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, Victoria Cleland, stated that banknotes serve as a symbolic representation of the UK's national identity. She emphasised the importance of making the redesign process inclusive and representative of national identity.
Since the announcement, the BBC reported receiving over 2,000 responses within a day about the new banknote designs, with suggestions including great ships, famous landmarks, classic TV characters, vintage trains, and more.
Previous UK banknotes have featured portraits of iconic historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing. However, the Bank of England is considering moving beyond portraits to explore new and imaginative themes.
Each banknote tells a story, and with over 4.7 billion notes currently in circulation (worth £86 billion), the public's input could be part of something lasting. The public is also encouraged to share their opinions on what themes they would like to see in the comments.
For those interested in collecting banknotes, the Complete Polymer Banknote Collecting Pack offers a secure way to store and display their collection, including spaces for King Charles III banknotes.
The Bank of England is encouraging everyone to get involved in this historic redesign process. Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape the future of UK currency.
- The public's preferences for themes on the reverse side of the new UK banknotes can help shape the future of UK currency, as these banknotes serve as a symbolic representation of the nation's identity.
- As the Bank of England considers moving beyond portraits to explore new and imaginative themes for the new banknotes, the public is encouraged to participate by proposing their own ideas and sharing their opinions on the themes they would like to see.
