Bank of England £10 Polymer Banknote, 2016, PMG 66 EPQ Pick #395a, Jane Austen, Modern British Banknotes | GoldSilverJapan
The £10 banknote issued by the Bank of England is one of the most widely recognized denominations of British currency and is highly popular among banknote collectors and British history enthusiasts worldwide. This particular £10 polymer banknote, Pick #395a, is registered with PMG certification number 8085598-025. The PMG grading is 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality), indicating it is in extremely excellent condition, comparable to mint. The label reads "Great Britain, Bank of England, Pick #395a, B415, 2016, £10, Sign. V. Cleland," and the serial number is AH03 780772. The PMG comments also state "Exceptional Paper Quality," acknowledging that the banknote's original quality and condition are exceptionally well-preserved. This series is known as a representative early issue from the transition period when Britain moved from traditional paper banknotes to the latest polymer banknotes. Combining durability, security, and artistry, this banknote is an iconic symbol of modern British currency and a significant collector's item with multiple appeals, including its connection to the British royal family, literary history, and advanced banknote technology. GoldSilverJapan handles rare and high-grade banknotes from around the world, but this particular banknote is highly valued as a central piece in the collection of modern British banknotes.
The Bank of England, founded in 1694, boasts a long history as one of the world's oldest central banks. Its banknotes enjoy international credibility and hold a significant place in financial history and banknote collecting. The £10 polymer banknote, introduced in 2016, marked a major turning point in British banknote history. Replacing the cotton fiber-based banknotes used for many years, it adopted a polymer material offering significantly improved durability and anti-counterfeiting capabilities. While polymer banknotes had been introduced in countries like Australia and Canada, Britain's full-scale adoption garnered global attention. They are more durable and resistant to water and dirt than conventional banknotes, significantly contributing to reduced circulation costs. Furthermore, their ability to incorporate advanced security features, such as transparent windows and hologram technology, which were difficult to achieve with traditional banknotes, is also highly valued. This particular banknote, being one of the initial issues, holds historical significance and is positioned as a representative collector's item symbolizing the early period of British polymer banknote adoption.
The obverse of the banknote features a portrait of Elizabeth II, one of the most famous monarchs in British history. Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 to 2022, and is known worldwide as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Her portrait has been featured on British coins and banknotes for decades, becoming a beloved symbol of Britain. This banknote features the Queen's portrait within a sophisticated, modern design, representing a fusion of British royal tradition and contemporary technology. The name "Bank of England" is prominently displayed in the center, surrounded by an intricate security pattern. The transparent window incorporates a hologram and a crown design, offering different visual effects depending on the viewing angle. The transparent polymer section also includes a watermark-like image of the Queen and architectural motifs, demonstrating the high level of British banknote technology. The color scheme is based on orange and brown, resulting in a finish that combines legibility with artistic merit. This particular banknote, which has received a high rating of PMG66 EPQ, retains these details in vivid clarity, allowing you to enjoy its original beauty.
The reverse side of the banknote features Jane Austen, one of the most representative authors of British literature. Born in 1775 and died in 1817, Jane Austen is one of the most important female writers in British literary history, leaving behind numerous masterpieces such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma." Her works continue to be read around the world today and have been the basis for many films and television dramas. The inclusion of Jane Austen on this banknote demonstrates Britain's emphasis on literary heritage as a national cultural asset. The background of the portrait incorporates designs symbolizing buildings associated with her and her writing activities, skillfully expressing a literary atmosphere. The banknote also quotes one of her famous sayings, showing respect for the world of her works. British banknotes play a role in introducing national culture through historical figures, and this £10 note is a prime example of this. The design is highly regarded from multiple perspectives, including literary history, women's history, and British cultural history.
The PMG66 EPQ rating is an exceptionally high grade in the international banknote market. PMG (Paper Money Guarantee) is one of the world's largest banknote grading organizations, and its ratings are trusted by collectors and investors worldwide. The number 66 belongs to the Gem Uncirculated class, meaning it is in near-perfect condition. Furthermore, EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) indicates that the banknote maintains its original condition and guarantees that it has not been cleaned, restored, or otherwise altered. In recent years, while British polymer banknotes have a large circulation volume, the demand for high-grade certified banknotes has been rapidly increasing. The 2016 series, in particular, which is an early issue, is attracting attention as a field with expected future collectible value. This particular banknote is a certified specimen with serial number AH03 780772, and is protected by a PMG slab and guaranteed authenticity. In the British banknote market, there is strong demand not only for high-denomination banknotes but also for high-grade modern polymer banknotes, and well-preserved examples are popular as long-term collection items. This banknote holds an important place in any collection of British royal family-related items or modern banknotes.
Currently, British banknotes featuring Elizabeth II are undergoing a historical transition. Following the Queen's death in 2022, new banknotes featuring Charles III have begun to be issued in the UK, and Elizabeth II-era banknotes are gradually becoming historical collectibles. Therefore, high-grade banknotes like this one are not merely current currency but also possess value as "commemorative documents from the Elizabeth II era." Furthermore, because it depicts Jane Austen, a representative figure in British literary history, it is also in demand from the perspective of literary and cultural history collections. With its excellent PMG66 EPQ grading, being an early polymer series banknote, featuring Elizabeth II's portrait and Jane Austen's image, this banknote possesses multiple appealing features and is recommended for a wide range of British banknote collectors, from beginners to advanced collectors. GoldSilverJapan introduces collections that allow you to enjoy the history and culture of various countries more deeply through such globally popular, graded banknotes.
FAQ
Q. Which country's currency is this banknote from?
A. This is a £10 banknote issued by the Bank of England in Great Britain.
Q. What is the Pick number?
A. Pick #395a.
Q. What is the PMG certification number?
A. 8085598-025.
Q. What is the PMG grade?
A. PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality).
Q. What is the serial number?
A. AH03 780772.
Q. Who are the signatories?
A. Victoria Cleland.
Q. Is this banknote made of paper?
A. No. It's made of polymer (a highly durable plastic material).
Q. Who is depicted in the portrait on the surface?
A. Queen Elizabeth II.
Q. Who is the person on the back?
A. Jane Austen, a renowned British novelist.
Q. Why is Jane Austen famous?
A. Because he is a representative author of British literary history, having written masterpieces such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma."
Q. What is EPQ?
A. This stands for Exceptional Paper Quality, indicating that the excellent paper quality of the original state has been maintained.
Q. What are the characteristics of polymer banknotes?
A. It is characterized by its high durability, water resistance, and anti-counterfeiting performance, as well as its long lifespan.
Q. Is this banknote still in circulation?
A. Yes. Similar £10 polymer banknotes are in circulation in the UK, but high-grade PMG certified ones are mainly for the collector market.
Q. Why is the PMG66 EPQ so popular?
A. Because it is in like-new condition, in excellent state of preservation, and highly valued in the international market.
