1950 Bank of England 1 Pound – Britannia & Beale’s Signature
The 1950 £1 note (Pick B369a) is a distinguished example from the Series A Britannia issues, representing Britain’s immediate post‑war currency. With its deep green tones, classical allegory, and the signature of Chief Cashier Percival Spencer Beale, it stands as a dignified piece of mid‑20th century financial history.
Historical Context
Issued in the early 1950s, this note reflects Britain’s cautious economic recovery following World War II. It belongs to the last generation of £1 notes to feature Britannia before the transition to Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait in 1960. Beale’s tenure as Chief Cashier (1949–1955) marked a period of subtle but important security upgrades, including the introduction of embedded threads in later variants.
Key Features & Specifications
Pick Number: B369a
Denomination: 1 Pound
Material: Paper
Issuing Authority: Bank of England
Date of Issue: 1950 (undated on note)
Size: Approx. 151 × 84 mm
Chief Cashier: Percival Spencer Beale
Watermark: Head of Minerva
Security Thread: None (thread introduced in later 1952–55 issues)
Design Elements
Front: Seated Britannia at upper left, holding trident and shield — a symbol of national strength and maritime heritage. Printed in deep green with ornate guilloché patterns.
Back: Minimalist layout with decorative flourishes and “Bank of England” prominently displayed.
Lettering: “Bank of England – I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of One Pound.” Signed: P.S. Beale, Chief Cashier.
Security Features
Watermark: Classical Minerva head, visible when held to light
Serial Numbers: Printed twice for verification
Colour Scheme: Deep green on cream paper
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This note is a must‑have for collectors of mid‑century British currency:
Britannia‑themed collections – A classic allegorical design before the royal portrait era
1950 birth year keepsake – A meaningful memento from the early post‑war generation
Pre‑decimal enthusiasts – A key note from the shilling‑and‑pound era
Signature collectors – Signed by Chief Cashier Percival Spencer Beale
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1950 £1 note is more than a monetary relic — it’s a symbol of Britain’s resilience and tradition, bridging wartime austerity with modernisation. With its allegorical imagery and Beale’s signature, it remains a timeless addition to any serious numismatic collection.
