£20 note (2024)

FAQs

How to tell fake 20 note? ›

On the £20 and £50 notes there is a second, smaller window in the bottom corner of the note. Below the main see-through window on the front of all the notes, there is a silver foil patch containing a hologram. When you tilt the note from side to side, the words change between the value of the note and 'Pounds'.

But it has previously confirmed not all the early £20 notes were reserved - that means some of the rarest AA notes are still in circulation. AA notes are the most valuable, but anything with an A in it could be worth more than the value of the note itself.

1) Turner's self-portrait 2) The Fighting Temeraire 3) Turner's quotation 4) Turner's signature 5) The 'Tintern Abbey' window 6) The 'Trafalgar Square fountain' window 7) The purple foil Tate Britain with 'T' motif 8) Royal Academy written in micro text 9) Image of Turner Contemporary art gallery 10) A Margate ...

If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the monarch's portrait. A portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II is printed on the window with '£20 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.

The size of the figures, their alignment or the gaps between them, are useful in revealing if the note is fake. If there is poor alignment or unequal numerical figures, the note is counterfeit. Typography and micro-lettering: The words 'Reserve Bank of India' will appear thicker on a counterfeit currency note.

UV light reveals hidden features in banknotes that are invisible to the naked eye. Most modern currencies incorporate UV-sensitive inks or fibers that glow under UV light. These features are extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate, making UV light an effective tool for identifying fake notes.

See the dark green numbers on the top-left and top-right corners? They could mean your bill is worth much more than its face value. If a serial number's digits are unique or interesting, collectors might be willing to pay big bucks — hundreds or even thousands of dollars — for your bill.

OLD cash £20 and £50 notes are no longer accepted in shops, so if you have one knocking about you will want to exchange it as soon as possible. The paper notes haven't been valid since after September 30 last year.

This note replaces our paper £20 note which was withdrawn from circulation after 30 September 2022. You may be able to deposit withdrawn notes at your own bank or with the Post Office. Alternatively, you can exchange withdrawn banknotes with selected Post Office branches or with the Bank of England.

Claiming for a damaged banknote

As a general rule, we will only reimburse you with the face value of a damaged banknote if you still have at least half of the banknote. To apply for a reimbursem*nt, fill out our damaged banknote application form and send it to us with all of the remains of the banknote.

How do I get rid of my old 20 pound notes? ›

Exchanging old notes at the Post Office

The Post Office Opens in a new window will accept most old notes as a deposit into any UK bank account you can access with them. There are also 48 Post Office branches across the UK that will swap old banknotes, even if you do not have a bank account.

Featuring the image of historic Scottish entrepreneur Kate Cranston, the note was revealed at her legendary tearoom in Glasgow - Mackintosh at the Willow.

AA numbers

As with previous polymer note issues, the lower serial numbers for the new £20 have proven popular with collectors, with the current average selling price for the AA notes coming in at £40! That's two times the note's face value!

A twenty-dollar note is called a "lobster" or redback because of its red colour. A fifty-dollar note is also known colloquially as a "pineapple" or the "Big Pineapple" because of its yellow colour.

Check the watermark.

Hold the bill up to the light and look for a watermark. Newer bills should have faces. Older bills may just have what looks like a faded spot. If there is no watermark or if the watermark “face” does not match the “face” on the bill, then it is probably counterfeit.

Examine the holograms or color-shifting images: Some newer U.S. notes, have holograms or color-shifting images that change when you tilt the bill. Be cautious of irregularities: Look for any irregularities, such as blurred or uneven printing, missing security features, or unusual colors.

CLEAR WINDOW: There is a clear window in the banknote which you can see through. HOLOGRAPIC FOIL: The images move and their colours change when you tilt the notes. IRIDESCENCE: There is a shiny printed pattern on the notes which can be clearly seen when you move the note around.