Selling old British banknotes: what they're worth in 2026

Every withdrawn Bank of England note has two possible values: face value (the Bank of England will exchange any genuine note in person or by post, indefinitely) and collector value (what a banknote dealer will pay).

If a note is creased, dirty or torn, face value is usually all you'll get. If it's crisp and uncirculated, collector value can be many times face. Always check before exchanging.

White Five Pound notes (Peppiatt and Beale era, pre-1957): even circulated examples sell for £40-£100; uncirculated Peppiatt fives reach £300+.

First-issue Series C £1 (1960, Heron signature): common but the 'A01' first prefixes can be £50+.

Series D £20 Shakespeare notes (1970s): face value if circulated, £40+ if uncirculated.

Any note with a low serial number (under 000100), all-same-digit serials, or sequential runs — these always have a premium.

Don't fold, flatten or iron banknotes. Don't store them in PVC plastic — it leaches and stains the paper over years. Mylar or acid-free banknote sleeves are the safe option.

For single high-grade rarities — IBNS member dealers or specialist auctions (Spink, Noonan's).

For a mixed family collection — a local buyer who handles both coins and banknotes. We buy British and Commonwealth banknotes and pay on the spot.