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The 20 pound banknote is a fascinating piece of currency that has been a part of British history for over a century.
It was first introduced in 1699 as a gold note, and has since undergone several design changes.
The banknote features a range of historical figures and artwork that add to its value and collectibility.
History of the 20 Pound Banknote
The 20 pound banknote has a rich history dating back to 1970, when it was first introduced by the Bank of England.
It was a significant increase from the previous highest denomination of 10 pounds, which was introduced in 1948. The 20 pound note featured a portrait of Sir Edward Elgar, a renowned English composer, on its obverse side.
The design of the note underwent a major change in 1994, with the introduction of a new polymer substrate that made it more durable and secure.
Bank of England's Announcement
The Bank of England has unveiled a new £20 note featuring the artist J.M.W. Turner. This note will be issued on February 20, 2020.
The concept design was revealed in April 2016, but bank officials kept its security features, full width, and Queen Elizabeth's portrait under wraps.
The new polymer note boasts sophisticated security features, making it the most secure Bank of England note yet.
The note incorporates two windows and a two-color foil, which is extremely difficult to counterfeit. This is especially important, as the £20 note is Britain's most popular denomination.
Governor Mark Carney made the announcement at the Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate, where he praised Turner's contribution to art.
Design and Features
The 20 pound banknote design is a masterpiece of modern art and security. The front design features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on a background with a line pattern and the number twenty in the lower right.
The Queen's portrait is also featured on the reverse of the note, along with a window seal and a holographic seal of the Royal Crown. The reverse also showcases an illustration of the Bank of England with the Coat of Arms of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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The reverse of the note features the portrait of Joseph Mallord William Turner, a renowned English Romantic painter, printmaker, and watercolorist. Turner's self-portrait, painted around 1799, is displayed at Tate Britain.
The Fighting Temeraire, one of Turner's most famous paintings, is also featured on the reverse of the note. The design is completed with a window seal of the Queen's portrait, a stylized image of a lighthouse, and the Bank of England seal.
The new £20 note has sophisticated security features that make it the most secure Bank of England note yet. It incorporates two windows and a two-color foil, making it very difficult to counterfeit.
A large see-through window on the obverse of the note depicts Margate lighthouse and Turner Contemporary, an art gallery in Margate, Kent, England. The foil is silver in color on the back.
A smaller see-through window in the bottom corner of the note is inspired by Tintern Abbey. The note also features a quote from an 1818 lecture by Turner, "Light is therefore colour", referring to the innovative use of light, shade, color, and tone in his pictures.
Historical Figures on Banknotes
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William Shakespeare was the first historical character to appear on a Bank of England note in 1970. He was featured on the £20 note.
The Duke of Wellington, a soldier and statesman, appeared on the £5 note in 1971.
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was featured on the £10 note in 1975.
Sir Isaac Newton, a physicist and mathematician, was on the £1 note in 1978.
The list of historical figures on Bank of England notes is quite impressive and reflects the UK's rich heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20 pound note still valid?
No, the old £20 paper note is no longer valid in circulation after 30 September 2022. However, you can still deposit or exchange it at your bank, the Post Office, or the Bank of England.
Where can I exchange old 20 pound notes?
You can exchange old 20 pound notes at any Post Office branch in the UK, or deposit them into your bank account at a Post Office that offers this service. There are also 48 dedicated Post Office branches that will swap old banknotes without requiring a bank account.
Is my 20 pound note rare?
A serial number like 1775 1851, combining the artist's birth and death dates, might make your 20 pound note rare. However, a note starting with JT could also be valuable, but it's unlikely to be in circulation.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_England_%C2%A320_note
- https://www.coinworld.com/news/paper-money/bank-of-england-unveils-20-pound-note-featuring-turner
- https://www.foreigncurrencyandcoin.com/product/british-20-pounds-banknote/
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note203779.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/10/new-20-note-featuring-jmw-turner-revealed-by-the-bank-of-england
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