Security Features

New-style £20 Note (Adam Smith)

Feel of the PaperFeel of the paper - banknotes are printed on special paper that gives them their unique feel.
Raised printRaised print - this is used on some parts of the note. By running your finger across the note you can feel raised print in some areas, such as the words ‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, around the figure 20.
ThreadMetallic thread - the thread is embedded in the paper in every banknote. This appears as silver dashes on the back of the new-style £20 note. If you hold the note up to the light, the metallic thread appears as a continuous dark line.
WatermarkWatermark - hold the note up to the light and in the clear area on the left, you will see an image of the Queen's portrait together with a bright £20. This can also be viewed from the back of the note.

Quality of the PrintingQuality of the printing - the printed lines and colours on banknotes are sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges.
Hologram Holographic strip - the position of the strip is the same on each note. It has a number of foil patches along its length which contain alternating holographic images.  The positioning of the patches varies along the strip. When the note is tilted, one hologram shows a multi-coloured image of Adam Smith, the other changes between a multi-coloured pound sign and the figure 20. The figure 20 is also embossed on the strip, and is positioned in the same place on every note – just to the right of the signature of the Chief Cashier.

Fluorescent feature

Fluorescent feature

 Ultra-violet feature - if you put a new-style £20 note under a good quality ultra-violet light (one that emits light at around 365 nanometers), its value appears as a bright red and green patterned number'20' while the background is dull in contrast. Randomly spread bright red and green flecks are also visible on both the front and back of the note. Under ordinary light there is no trace of these features.
Micro-letteringMicrolettering - Using a magnifying glass, look closely at the lettering beneath the Queen's portrait - you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numerals - TWENTY' and '20'
See-through RegisterSee-through register - hold the new-style £20 note up to the light and you will see coloured irregular shapes printed on the front and back of the note that combine to form the pound sterling symbol. This feature is unique to the new-style £20 note.

Key Resources

 Andrew Bailey, Chief Cashier, talks about the new-style £20 note
Watch webcast

Know Your Banknotes Leaflet
Provides a guide to the key recognition and security features on banknotes.
Download PDF (811k)

 

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