2016-05-03 Tue

Did you know that till 1960 the pound notes issued by the Bank of England did not have a Monarch’s portrait on them?

The Bank of England since its establishment in 1694 has issued banknotes. Since 17th century ‘Britannica’ was adopted as their emblem and all the notes featured Britannica on the obverse side.

Portrait Series C was the first series of notes to bear the face of the monarch (Queen Elizabeth II).

It was only after HM Queen Elizabeth II agreed to allow her portrait to appear on banknotes that the design for the new series was designed by Robert Austin. The Queen’s portrait first appeared on 1 pound banknotes first issued on 17th March 1960. This was followed in 1963 by the 10 shilling note. The £5 note was issued on 21st February 1963 and the £10 note on 21st February 1964, both designed by Reynolds Stone.

Queen Elizabeth II also happens to be the most featured individual on coins and notes. Today Queen Elizabeth II's portrait is depicted on the currencies of 33 different countries!