2016 Bank of England £5 Note – A Modern Tribute to British Resilience
Celebrate the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and the dawn of polymer currency with the 2016 Bank of England £5 note (P-394), the first of its kind in British banknote history.
🕰️ Historical Context
Issued on 13 September 2016, this note marked a turning point in UK currency design—ushering in the polymer era with enhanced durability, security, and environmental benefits. Featuring Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister and Nobel laureate, the note pays homage to leadership, perseverance, and national pride.
📐 Key Features & Specifications
Attribute Details
Pick Number P-394
Denomination 5 British Pounds
Material Polymer (Guardian™ or Safeguard®)
Issuing Authority Bank of England
Size 125 × 65 mm
Printer Bank of England
Issue Date 13 September 2016
Cashier’s Signature Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier
Legal Tender Status Still in circulation
🎨 Design Elements
Front: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with a transparent window featuring the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and a silver foil coronation crown.
Back: Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, with Westminster Bridge and the Nobel Prize medal. Includes his iconic quote: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”
🔐 Security Features
Hologram: Text shifts between “Five” and “Pounds” when tilted
See-through Window: Metallic image changes from gold (front) to silver (back)
Green Foil Patch: Contains the word “BLENHEIM”
UV Elements: Number “5” glows red and green under ultraviolet light
Raised Print: Tactile texture on “Bank of England” and denomination
✨ Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This £5 note is a standout for:
History buffs – Featuring Churchill’s wartime leadership and literary legacy
Polymer pioneers – First UK note printed on plastic, symbolizing innovation
Birth year gifts – Ideal for those born in 2016 or Churchill admirers
Collectors – A milestone in British numismatics, especially sought in UNC condition or with low serial numbers (e.g., AA01)
💡 Why Collect This Banknote?
The 2016 £5 polymer note isn’t just currency—it’s a symbol of British resilience, technological advancement, and timeless leadership. Whether for personal nostalgia or investment, it’s a modern classic in the making.
