"The Pastime Classics Collection" - Bank of England Banknote Type Set (1928-Date)
5 Pounds 2002 Issue P391

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Note Details

Set Details
Note Description: Great Britain, Bank of England
£5 B393 2002 - Wmk: Queen
Grade: 68 EPQ
Country: GBR
Note Number: GBR391a
Signatures/
Vignettes:		 - Sign. M. Lowther
Certification #: 2292290-004  
Owner: Billy Cusack
Sets Competing: "The Pastime Classics Collection" - Bank of England Banknote Type Set (1928-Date)  Score: 372
Date Added: 10/31/2025
Research: See PMG's Census Report for this Note

Owner's Description

B393 Lowther £5


* First banknote of its type

* First run prefix HA01

* Series E (Variant) “Second Historical” banknote

* Elizabeth Fry reverse

* Issued on May 21, 2002

* Withdrawn from circulation on May 5, 2017


NOTABLE ABOUT THIS NOTE

The Series E Second Historical £5 note was the last paper £5 note issued by the Bank of England.

Production of this note was suspended after only one week when it was discovered that the prefix/serial number could be rubbed off from the oval-shaped unvarnished halo above the hologram.

This note is classified as the “Full Halo” variation of this issue because the solution to the problem described above was to cut off the top of the oval halo so that the serial number would be printed over varnished paper (“Cut Halo” variation, beginning with B395).


SIGN OF THE TIME

This note features the signature of Merlyn Lowther.

Lowther was the 29th Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, serving from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2003. She was the first woman to hold this position in the more than 300-year history of the Bank.


MEANWHILE, ON THREADNEEDLE STREET...

Edward George was Governor of the Bank of England when this note was issued. He was the Bank’s 118th Governor, serving from July 1, 1993 to June 30, 2003.

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