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Sunday July 07, 2024

England issues new currency notes

Buyers can still use the current £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes featuring the late Queen's portrait

By Web Desk
June 05, 2024
King Charles banknotes enter circulation. — BBC/File
King Charles banknotes enter circulation. — BBC/File

The United Kingdom government has begun issuing new banknotes featuring a portrait of King Charles, BBC reported.

However, it will take some time for them to become commonly used.

The issuance of new notes will begin by replacing damaged notes and then gradually be issued in bulk when demand arises.

The King of Great Britain is the second monarch in British history to appear on these notes. Queen Elizabeth started the tradition in 1960.

As per reports, buyers can still use the current £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes featuring the late Queen's portrait.

Current polymer Bank of England banknotes still have the same image on the back, which has Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing in ascending order. Notes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland feature other images and not the monarch.

The first new banknotes were printed last year. The King's portrait is based on a picture taken in 2013.

The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, while announcing the new notes, said: "This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on our notes.

"We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demands them."