A Piece of History - Birmingham's Victorian Banknote Fetches £38,000

A Rare Find

A 130-year-old banknote from the Birmingham branch of the Bank of England has made headlines after being sold for a staggering £38,000 at auction. The Victorian-era banknote, dated May 1894, bears the signature of Horace G. Bowen, the chief cashier at the time, and is one of only two surviving Bowen notes above £5 issued outside of London.

Victorian Value

The banknote's rarity and excellent condition contributed to its high value, with auctioneers at Noonans Mayfair expressing their pleasure but not surprise at the successful sale. The note was initially estimated to sell for between £24,000 and £30,000, but it surpassed expectations, reflecting the collector's passion for rare UK notes.

Birmingham's Banking Legacy

The Bank of England's Birmingham branch operated from 1827 until its closure in 1997, relocating three times during its history. This sale not only highlights the historical significance of the banknote but also underscores Birmingham's longstanding financial heritage.

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