The 5 pound bank note is one of the most widely used denominations in UK currency, celebrated for both its historic significance and modern security features. Issued by the Bank of England, the current £5 note is made from durable polymer, enhancing its lifespan and resistance to damage compared to paper notes.
Key Features of the 5 Pound Bank Note
The latest design of the £5 banknote was first introduced in 2016 and features a prominent portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, one of Britain’s most revered Prime Ministers, on the back. Churchill’s image is based on a famous 1941 photograph by Yousuf Karsh. The note also includes a famous quote from his first speech as Prime Minister: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”
This polymer banknote measures approximately 125mm by 65mm, a size chosen to aid users in distinguishing between denominations. It features advanced security elements including:
- Hologram: The word changes between “Five” and “Pounds” when the note is tilted.
- See-Through Window: A transparent window with gold foil on the front and silver on the back, housing a portrait of the monarch.
- Color-Changing Border: The window’s border shifts from purple to green when tilted.
- Green Foil Patch: Contains the word “BLENHEIM” in letters.
- Raised Print: You can feel raised print on words such as “Bank of England” and around the number 5.
- Ultra-Violet Number: Under UV light, the number “5” glows bright red and green.
- Unique Serial Numbers: Multi-colored numbers that increase in size from left to right on the horizontal serial and uniform on the vertical serial.
Additional Design Elements
The front of the banknote shows the monarch’s portrait on the see-through window, while the back depicts a view of Westminster, including the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Nobel Prize medal awarded to Churchill in 1953.
Durability and Accessibility
The polymer material extends the note’s lifespan significantly while being more environmentally friendly. Notably, the £5 note lacks a tactile feature found in other denominations, a design choice to assist blind and partially sighted users in distinguishing the note by size and feel.
