Security Features | Design Features
The £10 note, with a portrait of Charles Darwin on the back, is the second lowest denomination in value and the second smallest in size (approx. 142mm x75mm).
Denomination numeral - there is a large number 10 and £ symbol in the top left corner on the front of the note to assist easy recognition of its value. There is also a slightly smaller number 10 in the top right corner.
Recognition symbol - for the partially sighted, the £10 note has a densely coloured orange diamond on the front.
Unique numbering - a unique number is printed horizontally and vertically on the front of the £10 note. The horizontal number is in the top left corner and consists of multi-coloured letters and numbers, increasing in height from left to right. The vertical number runs down the right side and has letters and numbers that are the same height and colour.
Copyright symbols - the international copyright symbol is included on the front and the back of the £10 note, around the edge of the watermark area.
Historical character - Charles Darwin (1809-1882).
As a young man Darwin was employed as the naturalist on board the ship HMS Beagle an illustration of which is depicted on the back of the note. Also pictured is an illustration of Darwin 's own magnifying lens and the flora and fauna that he may have come across on his travels.