The Bank of England’s new polymer £50 banknote featuring scientist Alan Turing has entered circulation.
The new note contains advanced security features and, like the £20, incorporates two windows and a two-colour foil, making it very difficult to counterfeit. There is also a hologram image which changes between the words ‘Fifty’ and ‘Pounds’ when tilting the note from side to side.
The polymer £50 note joins the Churchill £5, the Austen £10 and the Turner £20, meaning all Bank of England banknotes are now available in polymer. All share the same security features.
The current paper £50 note – guaranteed to raise the blood pressure of any retailer offered one – and the paper £20 will both cease to be legal tender on 30 September 2022.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said: “I’m delighted that our new £50 features one of Britain’s most important scientists, Alan Turing. Turing is best known for his codebreaking work at Bletchley Park, which helped end the Second World War. However, in addition he was a leading mathematician, developmental biologist, and a pioneer in the field of computer science.
“He was also gay, and was treated appallingly as a result. By placing him on our new polymer £50 banknote, we are celebrating his achievements, and the values he symbolises”.
