Help Redesign the UK’s Banknotes: Public Invited to Choose New Themes

A once-in-a-generation change is coming to the way we see and feel British money. The Bank of England has announced plans for a major redesign of our banknotes, and for the first time in over 50 years, you can help shape what they look like.

A National Icon, Reimagined

Since 1970, the reverse of Bank of England notes has showcased iconic historical figures—from Churchill to Austen, Turner to Turing. But now, in a bold, inclusive move, the Bank is opening the design process to public input.

The new series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes will retain the monarch on the front, but the theme on the reverse is up for discussion. And the options go well beyond famous faces.

Here are a few of the categories the Bank is inviting the public to vote on:

• Nature – Celebrate British flora, fauna, and landscapes.
• Innovation – Honour UK breakthroughs in science and technology.
• Architecture & Landmarks – Showcase castles, bridges, or iconic cityscapes.
• Arts, Culture & Sport – Recognise literature, cuisine, film, or athletic achievement.
• Historical Events & Movements – Highlight defining moments in our collective story.

Or, if you have your own idea, you’re free to propose that too.

Why This Matters to Collectors

For banknote and currency collectors, this is an incredibly rare and exciting moment. The forthcoming designs will mark the first new thematic direction since 1970, meaning the resulting notes could become instant modern classics.

Will we see the return of symbolic Britannia or a move toward the bold designs of other currencies—like Bermuda’s vibrant pink $5 note featuring a marlin, butterflies, and coastal scenery?

Whatever the final decision, this new series will surely become a collectible milestone, especially as physical cash becomes rarer in daily life.

How to Get Involved

The Bank of England is running a public consultation until the end of July. You can:

• Submit your theme suggestion via an online form on the Bank of England website
• Or write to them by post

Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland summed it up best:

“Banknotes are more than just a means of payment. They’re a symbolic representation of our national identity.”

Banknotes are little works of art—tiny time capsules tucked into wallets, passed hand to hand, preserved in collections. This redesign is more than a cosmetic change; it’s a chance to shape the cultural and historical story our currency tells.

As collectors, this is a unique moment to make our voices heard and leave a lasting mark on the notes that future generations may one day treasure.

What would you like to see? Let us know what you’re voting for in the comments!