Current Banknotes
£5 Note (Elizabeth Fry)
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Design features
The £5 note, with a portrait of Elizabeth Fry on the back, is the lowest denomination in value and the smallest in size (approx. 135mm x 70mm).
Denomination numeral - a large number ‘5’ and pound sign appears in the top left corner on the front of the note to assist easy recognition of its value. A slightly smaller value figure appears in the top right corner.
Recognition
symbol – the £5 note has a densely coloured turquoise circle on the front that is a recognition symbol for the partially sighted.
Unique numbering – a unique number is printed horizontally and vertically on the front of the note. The horizontal number is in the top left-hand corner and consists of multi-coloured letters and numbers of graduating height. The vertical number runs down the right-hand edge and the letters and numbers are the same height and colour.
Copyright symbols – the international copyright symbol is included on the front and the back of the £5 note, around the edge of the watermark area.
Historical
character -
Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845).
The images on the back of the note are related to the life and work of this social reformer. The main illustration shows Elizabeth Fry reading to prisoners at Newgate. In recognition of her work she was awarded the key to the prison and this is used in the design of the banknote.
Key Resources
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Know Your Banknotes Leaflet Provides a guide to the key recognition and security features on banknotes. Download PDF (811k) |
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New-style £20 Leaflet Download PDF (607k) |
