Design features
Size
This is our largest note, measuring approximately 156mm x 85mm.
Main denomination colour
Red.
Denomination numeral
The large number 50 and £ symbol in the top left corner of the front of the note help you easily see its value. There is also a number 50 in the top right corner and in the bottom right corner.
Unique numbering
A unique serial number is printed horizontally and vertically on the back of the note. The horizontal numbers is in the bottom right corner. It is made up of multi-coloured letters and numbers, which increase in height from left to right. The vertical number runs down the left-hand side and the numbers and letters are the same height and colour.
Copyright symbol
The international copyright symbol is included on the front and the back of the £50 note. You can find it to the left of the motion thread on the front of the note and under the words ‘James Watt 1736 – 1819’.
Design
De La Rue.
Historical characters: Matthew Boulton and James Watt
Boulton and Watt were leading lights of the industrial revolution. Boulton was an entrepreneur, while Watt was an engineer and scientist who made revolutionary changes to the efficiency of the steam engine. In 1775, the two formed a partnership to develop and market steam engines, and the designs were taken up worldwide. The metric unit of power is named after James Watt.
