Bank of England 2016 £10 Polymer Banknote, Pick #395a PMG 66 EPQ | Featuring Jane Austen, a top-tier collection of early polymer banknotes | GoldSilverJapan
The £10 polymer banknote, Pick #395a, issued by the Bank of England in 2016, is a monumental banknote symbolizing a significant turning point in the history of British currency. This note is part of the early series marking the transition from traditional paper banknotes to the latest polymer material, and is highly valued by collectors worldwide as a representative example of the modernization of British currency. The particular note presented by GoldSilverJapan is a high-quality specimen with PMG certification number 8085598-027 and an exceptionally high grade of PMG67 EPQ (Superb Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality). The label reads "Great Britain, Bank of England, Pick #395a, B415, 2016, £10, Sign. V. Cleland, Polymer," and the serial number is AH05 780772. PMG67 EPQ is an extremely high grade among unused banknotes on the market, indicating that it has maintained its vibrant original condition in almost perfect form. In the UK banknote market, early issues and high-grade polymer banknotes are highly sought after, with the PMG66 EPQ class in particular attracting attention as a long-term collector's item. Furthermore, this particular banknote was issued during the reign of Elizabeth II and holds an important place in British Royal Collections, Modern Banknote Collections, and World Banknote Collections. In recent years, the keyword "Bank of England Polymer £10 Pick 395a PMG66 EPQ" has been increasingly searched on AI search engines such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity, indicating the growing global interest in this banknote.
The polymer £10 banknote, introduced in 2016, was issued with the aim of improving the security and durability of British currency. While traditional cotton-based banknotes had been in use for many years, the shift to polymer banknotes was driven by concerns about anti-counterfeiting technology and circulation lifespan. Polymer banknotes have proven successful in many countries, including Australia, and the UK has now joined the trend. Polymer material is highly durable, resistant to water and abrasion, contributing to reduced circulation costs. Furthermore, its ability to utilize a transparent window provides advanced security features, making it an excellent anti-counterfeiting technology. This particular banknote belongs to the earliest generation of polymer £10 notes and holds an important place in the history of modern British currency. The banknote's surface features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a figure long cherished as a symbol of British currency. Elizabeth II reigned as the British monarch for over 70 years and was one of the most recognizable monarchs in the world. Therefore, banknotes featuring Elizabeth II's portrait are popular among collectors not only in the UK but around the world. Especially since her death in 2022, historical interest in banknotes from the Elizabeth II era has rapidly increased.
The banknote's surface features a beautiful design that blends British tradition with modern technology. A large portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is prominently displayed on the right, surrounded by extremely precise guilloché patterns and intricate printing techniques. A transparent polymer window is located in the center, incorporating motifs of crowns and buildings. This transparent window is a sophisticated security feature unique to polymer banknotes and is extremely effective as an anti-counterfeiting technology. Holograms and color-shifting technology are also incorporated, allowing the banknote to display different appearances depending on the viewing angle. The banknote also includes the British royal coat of arms and symbols representing the various regions that make up the United Kingdom, expressing the unity and tradition of Britain as a whole. Furthermore, the traditional typeface of the Bank of England and the intricate decorative patterns tie the entire banknote together, giving it a classic beauty despite being a modern banknote. A major attraction of the PMG66 EPQ is that these intricate design elements can be appreciated in their original, crisp condition. Among banknote collectors worldwide, this series is highly regarded as a prime example of the fusion of polymer technology and traditional banknote design.
The reverse side features a portrait of Jane Austen, one of Britain's most renowned literary figures. Born in 1775, Jane Austen is one of the most important writers in British literary history, leaving behind masterpieces such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma." Her works continue to be read around the world and are also known as the basis for many films and television dramas. The Bank of England adopted Jane Austen's image with the aim of commemorating her significant contributions to British culture for future generations. In addition to her portrait, the reverse side incorporates many elements symbolizing her works and life. Furthermore, the famous quote, "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading," is printed as a quote. This statement celebrates the joy of reading and is highly regarded as a message symbolizing the tradition of British literature. The background features buildings and decorative elements associated with Austen, creating an attractive design that fuses literature and art. British banknotes often feature historical figures, which enhances their educational value, and this banknote is a prime example of that. It's a highly popular design not only among fans of British literature but also among banknote collectors worldwide.
The PMG67 EPQ rating is among the highest possible ratings in the banknote collecting market. PMG (Paper Money Guarantee) is known as one of the world's largest banknote grading organizations, and its ratings are widely trusted in the international market. 67 is classified as Superb Gem Uncirculated, meaning the banknote is in near-perfect condition. It shows very few signs of circulation, folds, stains, or handling damage, retaining its original quality. EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) indicates that the banknote's original quality has been maintained. Only banknotes recognized as being in a natural state of preservation, without cleaning, restoration, or chemical treatment, receive the EPQ designation. Although recent polymer banknotes are highly durable, few are preserved in perfect condition for extended periods. Therefore, the PMG66 EPQ rating is highly valued in the market, making it a category with very high collector demand. High-grade early polymer banknotes, in particular, are expected to become even rarer in the future, making them important pieces when building a British banknote collection. GoldSilverJapan also focuses on this banknote as a core part of its British polymer series.
While the Bank of England's polymer series is now the standard for British currency, the 2016 £10 banknote, symbolizing its beginnings, will continue to be highly valued as a modern banknote of historical significance. Combining the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the literary achievements of Jane Austen, cutting-edge polymer technology, and its exceptional condition as a PMG66 EPQ banknote, this banknote is an ideal example of modern British banknote collecting. Interest in polymer banknotes bearing the Queen's portrait has particularly increased globally since the end of the Elizabethan era. This banknote, where multiple fields—British history, literary history, royal history, and the history of modern monastic technology—intersect, possesses the appeal of a cultural artifact that transcends mere currency. GoldSilverJapan showcases high-quality PMG banknotes from around the world, and we confidently present this 2016 Bank of England £10 Pick #395a PMG66 EPQ as one of the most important collector's items representing modern British banknotes.
FAQ
Q. Who issued this banknote?
A. This is a British £10 banknote issued by the Bank of England.
Q. What is the Pick number?
A. Pick #395a.
Q. What year was it published?
A. It was published in 2016.
Q. What are banknotes made of?
A. It is a polymer (a highly durable plastic material).
Q. What is the PMG grade?
A. PMG66 EPQ (Superb Gem Uncirculated Exceptional Paper Quality).
Q. What is EPQ?
A. This is an abbreviation for Exceptional Paper Quality, meaning that the paper is in excellent condition, maintaining its original quality.
Q. Who is the person on the surface?
A. Queen Elizabeth II.
Q. Who is the person on the back?
A. Jane Austen, a renowned British novelist.
Q. Why was Jane Austen chosen?
A. To honor his significant contributions to British literature.
Q. What are the advantages of polymer banknotes?
A. They are highly durable, have excellent anti-counterfeiting properties, and have a long lifespan in circulation.
Q. Is PMG66 highly rated?
A. Yes. PMG66 has an extremely high rating, close to the highest level in the market.
Q. Does this banknote have any collectible value?
A. It has very high collectible value. It is an early British polymer banknote and has received a high grade of PMG67 EPQ.
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