10 — Ten Pounds
The artwork
Front: King Charles III in three-quarter view, the first Bank of England £10 to carry him, with "Bank of England" in copperplate above and the old promise "I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ten pounds". Below sit the four shields of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland and a classical columned façade, the Bank's own Threadneedle Street home. To the left, a clear window with Winchester Cathedral in gold foil, a purple quill, and a small portrait window.
Back: Jane Austen, engraved after the 1870 James Andrews watercolour that softened her sister Cassandra's sketch, with her signature and the dates 1775–1817. Behind her, Elizabeth Bennet at a writing desk reading Jane's letters, and Godmersham Park, the Kent seat of Austen's brother Edward. Across the foot, Caroline Bingley's line from Pride and Prejudice: "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!"
In circulation
The Jane Austen polymer tenner appeared in September 2017, replacing the paper Charles Darwin note. This variant, dated 2023 and bearing Charles III, entered circulation on 5 June 2024 and passes alongside the earlier Elizabeth II printings; both remain current, with the King's portrait spreading only as older notes wear out.
Details
- CurrencyPound
- DenominationTen Pounds
- Collectedon the United Kingdom journeys, 1991–2016
- IssuerBank of England
- SeriesPolymer £10 (Jane Austen), Charles III portrait, dated 2023
- SignatureSarah John, Chief Cashier
- SecurityClear window with gold-foil Winchester Cathedral, purple foil quill, circular portrait window, silver Britannia patch, raised print