Two bank notes sell for 10x times their face value due to rare 'blank' error

A rare pair of bank notes with a printing error have been sold for almost 10 times their original value after both notes were missing the portraits normally seen on the front.

The £5 and £10 notes were sold together on eBay for £149.42, attracting interest from collectors due to the unusual mistake.

Both notes feature a rare printing error where the main front design failed to print correctly. As a result, only the top section of the notes and the words "Bank of England" can be seen.

The mistake means that the portraits of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II, which should appear on the front of the notes, are completely missing.

The seller described the notes as being almost identical, with both showing similar printing faults, including errors on the silver security features.

The listing stated: “Please look carefully at the pictures and observe these error notes. Both notes show very similar printing errors and have matching faults on the silver areas. They are packaged in a glass airtight container for display and protection.”

A collector purchased the pair using the Buy It Now option for £149.42, with an additional £3.42 paid for postage.

The sale highlights how rare printing mistakes can significantly increase the value of bank notes, and may encourage people to check their own cash for similar errors.

Polymer £10 notes featuring Queen Elizabeth II and author Jane Austen first entered circulation in 2017.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Bank of England notes featuring King Charles III were officially introduced on June 5, 2024.

Bank notes showing Queen Elizabeth II remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the newer King Charles III notes.