1955 Bank of England 1 Pound – Britannia, Threaded & Timeless
The 1955 £1 note (B369b) is a classic from the Series A Britannia issues, representing a transitional period in British banknote design. With its green tones, embedded security thread, and allegorical imagery, it’s a dignified piece of post-war financial history.
🏛️ Historical Context
Issued during the tenure of Chief Cashier Percival Spencer Beale, this note reflects Britain’s cautious economic recovery following World War II. It was part of the last generation of £1 notes to feature Britannia before the introduction of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait in 1960.
📌 Key Features & Specifications
Pick Number: B369b
Denomination: 1 Pound
Material: Paper
Issuing Authority: Bank of England
Date of Issue: 1955 (undated on note)
Size: Approx. 151 × 84 mm
Chief Cashier: Percival Spencer Beale
Watermark: Head of Minerva
Security Thread: Embedded vertical thread
🎨 Design Elements
Front: Features a seated Britannia at upper left, holding a trident and shield — a symbol of national strength and maritime heritage. The note is printed in deep green with ornate guilloché patterns.
Back: Typically minimalistic, with decorative flourishes and the Bank of England name 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
Security Thread: Thin metallic strip embedded vertically
Serial Number: Printed twice for verification
Color 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 final flourish before the royal portrait era
✨ 1955 birth year keepsake – A meaningful memento from a post-war generation
✨ Pre-decimal currency enthusiasts – A key note from the shilling-and-pound era
✨ Security feature collectors – Among the earliest notes with embedded thread
💬 Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1955 £1 note is more than just a monetary relic — it’s a symbol of Britain’s resilience, tradition, and evolving design language. With its allegorical imagery and subtle security upgrades, it’s a timeless addition to any serious numismatic collection.
