The 133-year-old five pound note, that dates back to May 5, 1892, has now gone up for sale for a staggering £25,000 – 5,000 times more than its original worth
A rare Bank of England note has been put up for auction at a price 5,000 times greater than its face value. The 133-year-old five pound note, dating from May 5, 1892, is now being offered for an eye-watering £25,000.
It’s thought to originate from a Birmingham branch that opened in 1827 and moved locations multiple times before shutting down in 1997.
This sum far exceeds the Bank of England’s own inflation calculator, which suggests the piece of currency would be valued at £550 in today’s money.
Discussing the item, specialist Andrew Pattison said: “The note is being sold by a long-term collector of high-end Bank of England notes, and we believe it is the rarest Birmingham £5 in existence.
“It is also likely to be the most expensive, as we fully anticipate that it will match or exceed its estimate. With this being the only known example in private hands, when we say a once-in-a-lifetime chance for collectors, we really mean it.”
This isn’t the sole piece of Bank of England currency available for purchase, with a £500 note bearing Cyril P Mahon’s signature from December 15, 1925, also amongst the items being sold.
Britons are frequently advised to examine their purses and wallets for exceptionally rare coins and banknotes they might possess unknowingly.
Elements including their production numbers and state of preservation will determine the potential value of particular pieces.
When the Royal Mint issues coins, certain special edition items command significantly higher prices than standard releases. Back in June, a coin expert identified what he believes to be the “rarest” 50p piece – the Kew Gardens 50p.
Meanwhile, a £5 bank note featuring King Charles on the front has fetched an eye-watering sum on eBay.
According to Coincollectingwizard, collectors are ‘on the hunt for the early, low-numbered issues of the new monarch’s notes’. While the 133-year-old banknote selling for £25,000 seems extraordinary, it pales in comparison to some of the world’s most valuable coins.
In 2013, one US dollar – considered to be the first ever struck by the US mint – sold for more than £7.5m. More recently, in 2021, a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (a gold coin totalling £15) was sold for a staggering £14.2m.
Tips for identifying valuable coins
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- Tips for identifying valuable coins.
- Check for mint errors (misstrikes, double dies, off-center strikes)
- Look for low mintage years (the fewer made, the more valuable)
- Examine the coin’s condition (uncirculated or proof coins are worth more)
- Research coins from key dates in popular series (e.g., Lincoln cents, Morgan dollars)
- Consult coin guides like the Red Book or professional grading services (PCGS, NGC)