£20 Banknote

The Bank of England issued a new-style £20 note on 13 March 2007. The note features Adam Smith, one of the fathers of modern economics, on the back and incorporates enhanced security features. It is the same size and predominantly the same colour as the old-style £20 note that features Sir Edward Elgar on the back.

The new-style £20 notes will circulate alongside the old-style Elgar note which will be progressively withdrawn from circulation. The date when its legal tender status ends will then be announced, as is usual practice. As with all Bank of England notes, they can always be exchanged for their face value at the Bank in London.

Further details of the new note and enhanced security features are explained in a leaflet that is available as part of the Bank's range of educational materials. You can also take a virtual tour of the new note.