Why the new Northern Ireland Banknote is turning heads…
Ulster Bank has recently revealed plans to print an innovative, new design for vertical banknotes which will be entering circulation in Northern Ireland next year.
This turn of events breaks the mould for UK currency, with the Bank of England first issuing banknotes in 1694 to a landscape rather than portrait alignment.
Whilst the banks of Northern Ireland have traditionally issued their own money, only once before has a note like this ever been printed in the UK, during 1999 when The Northern Bank issued a vertical polymer note to mark the millennium.
It featured an illustration of the Space Shuttle on one side and stopped being issued in 2008 when they reverted to the standard landscape paper notes, however the note can still be used today.
Northern Bank vertical polymer £5 note from 1999. Credit: polymernotes.com
Ulster Bank plans to follow in the steps of the Bank of England by replacing their current paper currency with polymer £5 and £10 notes.
However, this new design goes to the next level, not only updating the material but also changing the entire orientation of the note.
Northern Ireland’s new banknotes will be based on the theme “living in nature” with Strangford Lough in County Down and Brent Geese featuring on the £5 note and Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, the Irish hare and Guelder-rose shrubs featuring on the £10.
New vertical Northern Ireland Banknote to enter circulation next year. Credit BBC News
Switzerland’s first vertical banknotes entered circulation in 1995 and for the past two years have won the “Bank Note of the Year Award” as voted for by members of The International Bank Note Society (IBNS).
Earlier this year Canada introduced their first ever vertical banknotes, hoping to create more space for a bigger image and to set it apart from existing polymer bills. Their 10 dollar note is currently nominated for Banknote of the Year 2018.
Bermuda, Israel, Venezuela, Argentina and Cape Verde are among other countries to use vertical banknotes in their currency.
These banknotes may be easier to use at cash and vending machines and may make it clearer to see the notes in your wallet, but what are your thought on this change in design and would you like the Bank of England to follow suit? Let us know in the comments below!
Credit: theibns.org
Secure your Official Change Checker Banknote Collecting Pack!
If you’re interested, our Official Change Checker Banknote Collecting Pack is the perfect way for any change checker to start collecting decimal banknotes or display an already growing collection.
To help you start your banknote collection, this pack includes an original £1 banknote, issued more than 35 years ago, in mint uncirculated condition… absolutely FREE.
Click here to find out more about the Official Change Checker Banknote Collecting Pack >>
The race is on for two BRAND NEW 2018 International Isle of Man TT £2 coins
Each year during May and June, the Isle of Man proudly hosts the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle event.
Since its inaugural race in 1907, the event has traditionally been a time-trial and is known by motoring enthusiasts world-wide as the ultimate road race.
This year, over 45,000 motorcycle racing fanatics from around the world are set to make their way to the Isle of Man to be in the heart of the action as they watch the unforgettable TT races.
‘Mike the Bike’ – Mike Hailwood, 14 time winner of the Isle of Man TT. Credit: www.motorcyclenews.com
Commemorating motoring legend, ‘Mike the Bike’
2018 celebrates 60 years since fan favourite, ‘Mike the Bike’ first raced the International Isle of Man TT and 40 years since he returned to the event.
Mike Haliwood secured 14 Isle of Man victories during his racing career and his triumphant return to the TT has been described as ‘one of the most emotional moments of 20th century sport’.
To mark this special anniversary year, two £2 coin designs have been officially licensed by the Isle of Man TT with the support of the Mike Haliwood foundation which promotes the TT Races and attracts new riding talent to the meeting.
Only 3,000 of each coin to enter circulation on the Isle of Man
The designs for the 2018 Isle of Man TT £2 coins reference the motorcycle races and Mike Hailwood’s legendary Ducati.
These limited edition £2 coins will be found on the Isle of Man, with only 3,000 entering circulation.
The 2015 Isle of Man TT 50p sold for £500 on eBay. Credit: express.co.uk
In 2015, an Isle of Man TT 50p was released and proved to be extremely popular with collectors, with one selling for £500 on eBay earlier this year.
Due to the popularity of the previous TT coin, we expect that these £2 will be very sought-after by collectors.
And, with only a very limited number entering circulation on the Isle of Man, Isle of Man based Change Checkers are sure to become the envy of collectors everywhere!
Secure your BRAND NEW 2018 International Isle of Man TT £2 coins!
We are delighted to offer these very sought-after coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for just £15.99 (+£2.99p&p), so that you don’t miss out on owning these very limited Isle of Man £2 coins for your collection.
Britain’s longest reigning Monarch celebrates another historic milestone
This year, Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 65th Coronation anniversary, becoming the first British monarch to do so.
In this blog, we look back over her remarkable reign and celebrate some of the highlights of the last 65 years…
Secure your Brand New UK 65th Coronation Anniversary £5 coin
To mark this historic occasion, The Royal Mint released a Brand New UK £5 coin in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.
This beautiful design by Stephen Taylor features the Royal Standard, crowned with Her Majesty The Queen’s royal cypher and represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom.
Commemorate this special moment in British history by securing your £5 coin today >>