The Bank of England Five Pound Note (1981) commemorates the British artist, William Henry Jobye by featuring his portrait on the front. This note was introduced in 1981 as part of the Bank of England’s redesign of their currency, and it replaced the previous white five pound note.
The front of the note features a portrait of William Henry Jobye, a British painter who was known for his landscapes and portraits. This choice of design was significant as it marked the first time a non-royal person was featured on a Bank of England note. The portrait is based on a self-portrait painted by Jobye in 1790.
The back of the note features a scene from Jobye’s painting, “The Harvest Home”, which depicts an idyllic countryside scene with people celebrating the harvest. This painting symbolizes Jobye’s love for rural life and his contribution to British art. It also represents the agricultural heritage of the United Kingdom.
The note is predominantly blue in color and measures 135mm by 70mm. The serial number and Bank of England seal can be found on the front, and the reverse features the value of the note in words and numbers. It also includes the signature of the Chief Cashier of the Bank of England.
The 1981 Five Pound Note bears the prefix A12 and the serial number begins with the prefix 790600. This means that it was printed at the Bank of England’s printing works in Debden, Essex.
The Bank of England issued approximately 284 million of these notes from 1981 to 1991, making them relatively common. However, due to their age and collectability, they are becoming more scarce and sought after by collectors.
It is worth noting that the Bank of England Five Pound Note (1981) has a security feature that was new at the time of its introduction – the metal thread. This is a thin, silver-colored thread embedded into the paper near the left-hand edge. When held up to the light, it appears as a continuous line and has “five pounds” printed on it.
In 1990, the Bank of England issued a new design for the five pound note, featuring a portrait of George Stephenson, an engineer known for his contribution to the development of the steam locomotive. This note co-circulated with the William Henry Jobye note until it was finally withdrawn in 1993.
Today, the Bank of England Five Pound Note (1981) is no longer legal tender but it is still a collector’s item. Its unique design and significance in the history of British currency make it a desirable addition to any collection. The note serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the United Kingdom and the impact that individuals like Jobye have had on shaping the country.