Great Britain plans to feature animals on pound banknotes instead of people
The Bank of England plans to change the design of banknotes: instead of historical figures, images of wild animals may appear on them, reports Politico.
Illustrative image. Photo: Jim Dyson/Getty Images
Currently, banknotes of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pounds depict famous figures — Prime Minister Winston Churchill, writer Jane Austen, artist William Turner, and mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing.
Last year, the Bank of England conducted a public survey regarding which images should be on the new banknotes. Out of 44 thousand responses, about 60% of participants supported the idea of placing images of nature on them instead of architecture, historical figures, art, or significant events.
A second public discussion is planned for the summer to determine which specific elements of nature should be used. Wildlife specialists will compile a shortlist of possible options. Among the animals mentioned that could appear on banknotes are foxes, badgers, beavers, squirrels, otters, deer, and seals.
New banknotes will enter circulation only after a few years. The main purpose of the update is to enhance the protection of money against counterfeiting.
Meanwhile, the portrait of King Charles III will in any case remain on the front side of the banknotes.