Banknote News: UK Launches Public Consultation for Next Series Designs
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Banknote News: UK Launches Public Consultation for Next Series Designs
The Bank of England has just opened the doors to one of the most exciting changes in British currency in decades—a public consultation on the next series of banknotes. This marks the first major redesign in over 50 years, and collectors, historians, and everyday citizens are being invited to help shape the future of UK currency.
What’s Changing?
The current polymer series featuring figures like Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, and Alan Turing will eventually be replaced. The Bank is now asking the public to vote on six potential themes for the new designs:
Notable historical figures
Architecture and landmarks
Arts, culture, and sport
Noteworthy events in history
British innovations
Nature and wildlife
And yes—there’s even been a glitter-covered submission from a schoolchild. The consultation is sparking creativity across the UK.
King Charles III Will Remain
Regardless of the chosen theme, the new notes will continue to feature King Charles III on one side, maintaining the tradition of monarch representation that dates back to 1960.
Security Meets Accessibility
The redesign isn’t just about aesthetics. The Bank is also introducing new tactile features for visually impaired users and advanced anti-counterfeiting technology. These updates will be embedded into the design itself, with holograms and foils shaped to match the chosen theme.
Why It Matters to Collectors
For numismatists, this is a golden opportunity:
First editions of the new series will become instant collectibles
Design prototypes and rejected concepts may surface in auctions
Public involvement adds a layer of cultural storytelling to each note
This is more than a redesign—it’s a national conversation about identity, heritage, and innovation.
