Is the British Five Pound note becoming rare?

Answer 1

Yes there are, but it really would depend on your definition of rare. There are degrees of rarity, sometimes using a 10 point scale ranging from "Most frequently seen" to "Highest rarity".

Old hand written Bank of England banknotes predating 1775 are described variously as "few are known to have survived", or "none are known to exist". This last statement does not mean that they do not exist, it means that an expert capable of recognising them for what they are, has not seen one. The rarest of banknotes are in museums or the collections of very wealthy collectors.

On a more realistic level, first and last banknotes in a series would be considered to be rare. These are notes with serial numbers ??? 000000 or ??? 999999, for example.

Banknotes with all numbers the same ??? 000000, ??? 111111, ??? 222222, etc. would be considered to be rare.

Banknotes with serial numbers prefixes that spell a word such as C01N or 01L.

Banknotes with a genuine printing flaw, whatever that might be.

Answer 2

Not likely. Below is the Bank of England statistics on Five Pound note printing for the past 6 financial years.

2003/04 - 179,000,000 notes printed

2004/05 - 194,000,000 notes printed

2005/06 - 110,000,000 notes printed

2006/07 - 70,000,000 notes printed

2007/08 - 18,000,000 notes printed

2008/09 - 338,000,000 notes printed

Answer 3

Rarity and high value do not necessarily mean the same thing.

For any white Fiver from prior to 1775, you could probably ask and get almost anything since none are known to exist.

White Fivers from the late 18th and the 19th centuries would probably carry values of £4,000 GBP or more, but the condition of the note would have to be excellent or better.

White Fivers from the 20th century might get anything from a few hundred up to £1,000 GBP, again the condition of the note would have to be excellent or better.

Any "million" numbered note, for example E00 000000 would also likely fetch a high value, again depending on the condition.

Answer 4

They are not especially rare, but -

A Bank of England 1945 white Five Pound note (depending on the serial number), uncirculated and in absolute mint condition could fetch anything up to £400 GBP. If it has been circulated but still in good condition, it might fetch anything from £35 to £300 GBP.

A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation.

Answer 5

The 1945 Bank of England white Five Pound note had a metal thread incorporated for the first time and was made from thicker paper.