HB24 £5 Merlyn Lowther Note...

[MikeCoin 0]

Apologies that this isn't coin related, but I hope this is interesting...

Since getting a copy of the book 'Check Your Change 2008' I've kept it handy when working so that I can get a sneaky glimpse at serial numbers on banknotes to check if they're rare / collectible or not.

Today this note came into my possession. In CYC it says that the earliest serial prefix for Lowther was HC01 yet this note starts with the prefix HB. It also looks like the serial numbers are rubbing off which I've read was a initial problem for the new design.

What do you reckon? Shall I quit my job tomorrow?

[MikeCoin 0]

Unable to edit post. So extra sentence... Would this be a part of the 'special first run'?

[Chris Perkins 228]

I think technically the first prefix to see circulation was HC. They also made a special one which was HA so I suppose it's only logical that there was also an HB, even if it wasn't the first to appear. In Collector's Banknotes the HB is included because I think that book was printed later than CYC.

Sorry MikeCoin, but I'm afraid you may as well spend it (especially in that condition even though it has clearly had it's serial rubbed).

[Coin_Hunter 0]

I just assumed it was because it had a great big SPECIMEN written on the front of it.

[MikeCoin 0]

It's pretty much a legal requirement so that there's no chance of forgery. Meh, maybe it was unnecessary, but who's taking chances, eh? It didn't hurt the example or anything.

On a related note, An HA £5 was handed to me yesterday, better condition too.

Edited July 26, 2009 by MikeCoin