1962 British Linen Bank – 5 Pounds Banknote | P#170
The 1962 British Linen Bank 5 Pounds note is a distinguished example of Scotland’s independent banknote‑issuing tradition. Printed during the pre‑decimal era, this note reflects the long heritage of the British Linen Bank — a financial institution founded in the 18th century and operating under a Royal Charter granted in 1746. Catalogued as P#170, this issue is admired for its classical design, high‑quality De La Rue engraving, and its portrait of one of Scotland’s most iconic literary figures, Sir Walter Scott.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Issuer Scotland (United Kingdom)
Issuing Bank British Linen Bank
Monarch Queen Elizabeth II (1952–2022)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year of Issue 1962
Denomination 5 Pounds
Currency Pound Sterling (1707–1970)
Pick Number P#170
Dimensions 146 × 78 mm
Composition Paper
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Printer Thomas De La Rue & Co., London
Design Overview
Obverse
The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Sir Walter Scott, celebrated novelist, poet, and a central figure in Scottish cultural identity. At the top sits the Arms of the British Linen Bank, while the bank’s historic seal appears at left. The layout is formal and symmetrical, reflecting the institution’s long‑standing authority and its origins under Royal Charter.
Lettering includes:
Incorporated by Royal Charter 1746
The British Linen Bank
Promise to pay on demand to the bearer Five Pounds Sterling
By order of the Court of Directors
Date: 1962
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited
Reverse
The reverse displays the bank’s seal at centre, flanked by early electronic sorting marks, a hallmark of late 1950s–60s British banknote technology. The design is clean, geometric, and security‑focused, with repeated denomination numerals and the bank’s motto, DITAT.
Security Features
Fine guilloche patterns
High‑quality De La Rue intaglio printing
Distinctive serial numbering
Early machine‑readable sorting marks
Collector Appeal
Historic Scottish Banknote
Issued by one of Scotland’s oldest chartered banks, this note represents centuries of independent Scottish banking tradition.
Portrait of Sir Walter Scott
A major figure in Scottish literature and identity, making the note especially appealing to collectors of cultural and historical themes.
Pre‑Decimal Heritage
Printed before the UK’s decimalisation in 1971, giving it strong transitional and historical value.
De La Rue Craftsmanship
Produced by one of the world’s most respected banknote printers, ensuring crisp engraving and high aesthetic quality.
Increasingly Sought After
Demonetized and no longer issued, these notes are steadily becoming more collectible, especially in higher grades.
Summary
The 1962 British Linen Bank 5 Pounds (P#170) is a beautifully engraved and historically significant Scottish banknote featuring Sir Walter Scott, the bank’s heraldic arms, and classic De La Rue craftsmanship. As one of the final pre‑decimal issues of the British Linen Bank, it stands as a meaningful piece of Scotland’s financial heritage and a desirable addition to any British or Commonwealth banknote collection.
