William Shakespeare £20 Gold Bank Note
- Britain’s first banknote to feature a figure from British history
- Issued by the Bank of England in 1970
- Layered in 24-carat gold
Order your 'William Shakespeare £20 Gold Bank Note' for just £39.95!
Few would dispute William Shakespeare’s accolade as the greatest writer in the history of the English speaking world. Today, more than four hundred years after his death, his 37 known plays continue to delight and astonish audiences around the world. His works are rightly praised for their profound understanding of the human condition, their intrigue, passion and psychological depth. In addition, he created countless words and expressions which have become woven into the fabric of the English language forever.
In 1970, the Bank of England began issuing banknotes featuring notable figures from British history. The job of designing the new pictorial banknotes (which became known as Series D) was given to the talented artist Harry Eccleston (1923-2010) who became the Bank of England’s first full-time in house artist in 1967. Together, they commemorate the giants of literature, warfare, nursing, science and architecture that helped to put the ‘Great’ into Great Britain.
The first of Eccleston’s designs to appear was the new £20 note issued in July 1970 which depicted William Shakespeare with the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. The exceptional quality of Eccleston’s craftsmanship is also clear in his stunning portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, which involved several royal sittings at Buckingham Palace and which set the bar for all future banknote artists. The Queen appears alongside Saint George and the dragon, and below that, the Bank of England’s seal showing Britannia.
The London Mint Office is paying tribute to Harry Eccleston’s remarkable artistry by releasing a commemorative reproduction of the £20 note featuring William Shakespeare, beautifully printed on two sheets of 24-carat gold, one for each side. An enduring and fitting tribute to both the world’s most talented author and to an iconic British design which people carried in their wallets and purses from 1970 to 1993.
Rest assured that you have no further commitments and your purchase is protected by The London Mint Office 14 day “no quibble” guarantee. You have no further obligations.
- Metal:
- Layered in 24-carat Gold
- Size:
- 120mm x 68mm
- Year of issue:
- 2019
- Mintage limit:
- 29,999
Order your 'William Shakespeare £20 Gold Bank Note' for just £39.95!
Few would dispute William Shakespeare’s accolade as the greatest writer in the history of the English speaking world. Today, more than four hundred years after his death, his 37 known plays continue to delight and astonish audiences around the world. His works are rightly praised for their profound understanding of the human condition, their intrigue, passion and psychological depth. In addition, he created countless words and expressions which have become woven into the fabric of the English language forever.
In 1970, the Bank of England began issuing banknotes featuring notable figures from British history. The job of designing the new pictorial banknotes (which became known as Series D) was given to the talented artist Harry Eccleston (1923-2010) who became the Bank of England’s first full-time in house artist in 1967. Together, they commemorate the giants of literature, warfare, nursing, science and architecture that helped to put the ‘Great’ into Great Britain.
The first of Eccleston’s designs to appear was the new £20 note issued in July 1970 which depicted William Shakespeare with the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. The exceptional quality of Eccleston’s craftsmanship is also clear in his stunning portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, which involved several royal sittings at Buckingham Palace and which set the bar for all future banknote artists. The Queen appears alongside Saint George and the dragon, and below that, the Bank of England’s seal showing Britannia.
The London Mint Office is paying tribute to Harry Eccleston’s remarkable artistry by releasing a commemorative reproduction of the £20 note featuring William Shakespeare, beautifully printed on two sheets of 24-carat gold, one for each side. An enduring and fitting tribute to both the world’s most talented author and to an iconic British design which people carried in their wallets and purses from 1970 to 1993.
Rest assured that you have no further commitments and your purchase is protected by The London Mint Office 14 day “no quibble” guarantee. You have no further obligations.
Specifications
- Metal:
- Layered in 24-carat Gold
- Size:
- 120mm x 68mm
- Year of issue:
- 2019
- Mintage limit:
- 29,999
Specifications
- Metal:
- Layered in 24-carat Gold
- Size:
- 120mm x 68mm
- Year of issue:
- 2019
- Mintage limit:
- 29,999
William Shakespeare £20 Gold Bank Note layered in 24-carat gold
