The Jane Austen Polymer £10 notes to look out for…

By Change Checker | September 11, 2017 |

When the new polymer £5 note was released in September 2016, serial numbers became the talk of a nation. Stories of early serial numbers selling for thousands of pounds were commonplace. An “AK37 007 James Bond Bank of England Polymer £5 note” sold for £5000 – 1,000 times its face value!

A ‘James ‘Bond’ £5 note sold for £5,000 on eBay

So with the release of the new Jane Austen £10 note TODAY, I’ve taken a look at the serial numbers I think everybody will be searching for…

World famous author, Jane Austen, features on the new Polymer £10 note

The first prefixes I considered were JA01, JA75 (Jane Austen’s birth year) and JA17 (the year of Jane Austen’s death).

However, whilst these will likely become popular with collectors in the future,  it could be many years before notes with these serial numbers enter circulation due to the huge amount of possible combinations that would come before ‘JA’.

Prefixes on the £5 notes started at AA and there are 60 notes on a sheet, AA01- AA60. For each of these cyphers there are 999,000 serial numbers printed: 000001 to 999000. Therefore for the first AA cypher there’s an incredible 59,940,000 notes!

I know that with the £10 note being larger, there are only 54 notes per sheet but that’s still A LOT of combinations.

UK Bank notes are produced in very large batches (Image: the Bank of England)

So I started looking at the main 8 digit serial numbers and there are certainly some key Jane Austen dates collectors will be looking out for:

  • Serial numbers 16 121775 and 18 071817 would represent the author’s date of birth and death respectively.
  • Serial number 17 751817 would be her birth and death year combined.
  • And true Jane Austen fanatics would know that Serial number 28 011813 is the date that Jane Austen’s most celebrated novel, Pride and Prejudice, was first published.

What others serial numbers should I look out for?

The first is obvious, AA01 notes are the first to be printed and will undoubtedly be popular amongst collectors.

The rest of the AA prefix notes will be interesting to collectors but not necessarily worth a huge amount, although that said, some £5 notes did sell for around £20 last year – four times their face value.

There may well be a rush to find the AK47 serial numbers again and James Bond 007 will likely be popular.

Consecutively numbered notes are always interesting to collectors too, one man sold three consecutive AA01 notes for £456.

Will all the serial numbers be circulated?

Actually, no. The Bank of England will always hold back some of the notes with the earliest serial numbers, donating them to people or institutions that were involved in the development of the note or who traditionally receive a note when a new series is issued. For example, the Queen receives AA01 000001 and the Churchill War Rooms received a new £5 note with serial number AA01 001945, the date that WWII ended.

The Bank of England did offer people the chance to own some of the earliest serial numbers when they held an auction (which raised £194,500 for a number of charities). However, these were not cheap, the earliest note (AA01 000017) sold for £4,150 and the average price for a single £5 note was £865.

Can you request specific serial numbered notes from the bank?

Sadly not. For the launch of the new £5 note 440 million bank notes were printed and these were printed in very large batches.

There will be even more new £10 notes printed than the £5, to service the country’s 48,000 ATMs for example, so it’s just not possible for the bank to separate certain serial numbers.

How much should I pay for a new £10 note?

The simple answer is, it’s completely up to you. An early serial numbered £10 note will be a genuine piece of the country’s history. It’s likely the bank of England will hold another auction of early editions, so if you have the disposable income, why not?!

However, when the polymer £5 note was released we saw a collecting frenzy. The prices people were paying (and demanding) for some of the early notes was vastly inflated and in some cases ridiculous, as Yasmin explained earlier in the year.

Just remember, a year down the line the market has settled and you can now pick up an AA01 note for around £7.00 on eBay.

Exclusive 2017 Jane Austen £2 Coin and £10 Banknote Pack

2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. To celebrate such an inspirational female figure, the Royal Mint and the Bank of England have chosen to honour her on a brand new £2 coin and £10 banknote.

You can own one of the very first Polymer £10 notes issued in perfect mint condition alongside the 2017 Jane Austen £2 Coin issued by The Royal Mint.

Click here to pre-order yours today >>

Posted in Blog Home, Coin News, General info

73 Comments

  1. Steph on October 4, 2017 at 2:12 am

    I have read that the AH serial numbers are good ones to have. I have a new £10 number is AH10 268290. What is it worth?



  2. Jeremy on October 3, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Hello there, I just read your news letter about the new £10 note and serial numbers to look out for, also about the guy who sold 3 consecutive serial numbers £10 note on eBay.

    I thought this needed a mention on your next newsletter, I’ve just got 17x £10 note with consecutively running Serial Numbers, I tried to send photo of them to you back had no luck attaching them.



  3. David on October 2, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    I have a £10 pound note with the AK47461263 any one know if it’s worth anything



  4. Jackie on October 2, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Hi I have a new ten pound note with serial number AA44330099 is this worth anything. Thank you.



  5. Sarah on October 2, 2017 at 8:39 am

    Hello, I have a new £10.00 note with the number AA01 054666. Is this worth anything above face value, and if so, could you suggest the best places to sell it? Many Thanks.



    • Luke Hearn on October 2, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Hi Sarah, Collectors are looking for the AA01 notes, in terms of value I would suggest looking on eBay to see what similar notes have sold for; I would also recommend this as the most secure way to sell. Thanks Luke



      • Sarah on October 2, 2017 at 11:40 am

        Thank you for replying so quickly and for the advice. Will do as you suggested!



  6. Carmen Randall on October 1, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Hi
    I have a new ten pound note with the serial number
    AA05 025490 is it worth any more than it’s face value?



    • Luke Hearn on October 2, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Hi Carmen, Collectors are really looking for low AA01 and consecutive serial numbers. I hope this helps – Luke



  7. greg bedford on October 1, 2017 at 8:14 am

    is ak36 and ak51 £10 note worth anything



    • Luke Hearn on October 2, 2017 at 10:52 am

      Hi Greg, I would suggest that these are worth face value as collectors are looking for low AA01 or consecutive serial numbers. I hope this helps – Luke



  8. Nick Hatfield on September 28, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Can u till me if this number on a ten pound note is worth anything AA32021515 plz



    • Luke Hearn on October 2, 2017 at 11:03 am

      Hi Nick, Collectors are really looking for low AA01, consecutive serial numbers or those relating to Jane Austen. I hope this helps – Luke



  9. Mark on September 28, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    I have a £10 note with the serial AA01 234006, how much would that be worth?



    • Luke Hearn on October 2, 2017 at 11:04 am

      Hi Mark, If you are looking to sell, I would suggest taking a look on eBay to see what similar notes have sold for, as I am unable to value your note I’m afraid – Luke



  10. John on September 27, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    Hi there I have a collection round about 250 pounds worth and the collection is made up of 5 pounds notes and fifty pences and 2 pound coins and all the coins are collectors coins and all the notes are AA AK AC AJ and AM and I would like to know how much it would be worth if I was going to sell the collection if anyone could let me know that would be good



  11. Shaun on September 27, 2017 at 12:11 am

    I have 4 consecutive aa12 notes would these be desirable to anyone or worth any money?



    • Luke Hearn on September 27, 2017 at 11:34 am

      Hi Shaun, Consecutive notes are desirable for collectors, however as for a value I’m afraid I cannot help with this. I’d suggest having a look on eBay to see what similar notes have sold for. Thanks Luke



  12. Kamran on September 26, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    Hi I have a note that has cc32 297628 is it worth anything please get back to me as soon as you can



    • Luke Hearn on September 27, 2017 at 11:35 am

      Hi Kamran, I would suggest that this note is worth face value. Collectors are looking for early AA01 serial numbers. Thanks Luke



  13. Bridget Davies on September 26, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    hi i have 2 £10 notes AA10 283524 and AA 283525 are they worth anything?



    • Luke Hearn on September 27, 2017 at 11:35 am

      Hi Bridget, Consecutive notes are desirable for collectors, however as for a value I’m afraid I cannot help with this. I’d suggest having a look on eBay to see what similar notes have sold for. Thanks Luke



  14. Mike. on September 26, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Hi Luke. I have a new two pound coin but with a difference,It’s a BRUNEL Dated 2006. But the one I have got is different from the other BRUNEL coins I have. The head of the Queen is a different colour silver to the other surrounding siver . ( like a Matt colour ) also the back of the coin has the same colour. Any idea’s . the two coin stall’s in Abergavenny market didn’t know anything . Best regard’s mike.



    • Luke Hearn on September 27, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Hi Mike, Thanks for the message. Could you please send some photos if possible to [email protected] and we’d be happy to take a look at it for you. Thanks Luke



      • Mike. on September 27, 2017 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you luke ,Willill see what I can do with regard’s to the photo’s . Mike



      • Mike. on September 27, 2017 at 2:37 pm

        Hi Luke, Just sent photo’s of the 2 pound coin .If you need any more info please let me know . Regard’s Mike .



      • Mike. on September 29, 2017 at 5:47 pm

        Hi Luke , Did you Receive the photo’s and are they good enough . What do you think ?.
        Regard’s Mike



  15. April08 on September 26, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    I have an AA12 ten pound note is it worth anything



    • Luke Hearn on September 27, 2017 at 11:37 am

      Hi April, Collectors are really looking for the early AA01 serial numbers so I would suggest that this note is worth face value. Thanks Luke



  16. Sally Cockrell on September 26, 2017 at 11:56 am

    Hi I have a £10 note ending in999 is it worth holding on to



  17. Bernie O'Neill on September 25, 2017 at 11:22 am

    I have £10 note AA01 179054….what is it worth please?



  18. N.A on September 25, 2017 at 1:11 am

    I have 10 pound note AA 10 581668



  19. RICHARD on September 24, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    Hi i have ten consecutive ten pound notes starting with AA35,would they be collectable?



    • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:53 am

      Hi Richard, Consecutively numbered notes are desirable to collectors. If you were looking to sell the note, I would suggest listing them on eBay. However, in terms of value it’s really the “AA01” notes that are likely to fetch over face value – Luke



  20. Charlotte Lovell on September 24, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    AA08591809. On a ten pound note? Value?



  21. PHIL on September 24, 2017 at 10:57 am

    I have a new £10 note with serial code AA10 692649. Is it worth more in value? Thanks



    • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:52 am

      Hi Phil,
      Most collectors are looking for the earliest “AA01” notes, therefore whilst it’s a great note for your collection, I would suggest it’s worth face value – Luke



  22. Aimee Challen on September 23, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    I have been fortunate to get a £10 note from a cashpoint with what i would class as a Good Ref Number & probably more sort after than many higher ones ive seen being sold?! My Ref Is ‘AA01 175466? Im going on fact QUEEN etc get 0’s..so.surely having a No1 is alot better than 2 upwards?! Where or how can I sell it but without having to go down the EBay n Paypal route? Thanks



    • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:51 am

      Hi Aimee, “AA01” notes are desirable to collectors. I know it’s not your first choice but if you are looking to sell the note, I would suggest eBay as being the safest and most secure.



  23. Mishka allen on September 23, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    Hi we have AH26 is this worth anything x



    • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Hi Mishka, It’s great to have an AH note however collectors are looking for the very earliest “AA” notes – Luke



  24. Eli on September 23, 2017 at 11:20 am

    I have a ba 31 is this worth anything



    • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:48 am

      Hi Eli, The notes that are most desirable to collectors are “AA01” and those with consecutive serial numbers. I would suggest your note is worth face value – Luke



  25. Pauline on September 22, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    Hi Luke I’ve got a new £10 with AA01 378484



  26. Mark on September 22, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Ak47 £10 is it worth anything



  27. Mark on September 22, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    I have the ak47 new £10 is it worth anything



  28. Antonia Shrimpton on September 22, 2017 at 10:35 am

    I have a new 10 pound note serial AA01 not creased immaculate? Is this worth anything



    • Luke Hearn on September 22, 2017 at 10:55 am

      Hi Antonia, AA01 notes are amongst the most desirable with collectors, however it’s hard for me to value the note. If you are looking to sell it you could list it on eBay. A collector may be willing to pay slightly more than face value, however it’s consecutive low serial numbered notes that people are very interested in. I hope that this helps – Luke



      • Antonia Shrimpton on September 22, 2017 at 11:55 am

        Thanks Luke I think it’s AA01 305 something I just wouldn’t know where to start to sell



      • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:46 am

        Hi Antonia, If you are looking to sell the note, I would suggest that eBay is the best and most secure platform. Thanks – Luke



    • Charlotte Lovell on September 25, 2017 at 6:58 am

      Think so but not an expert



  29. Lesley Cheadle on September 21, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    Hi I have a ten pound note Starting AA18 is it worth anything more ?



    • Luke Hearn on September 22, 2017 at 9:17 am

      Hi Lesley, I’m afraid I cannot put a value on the note, if you are looking to sell I would suggest having a look on eBay to see if any similar notes have sold. Being honest, I would suggest that only the very low AA notes are worth anything more than face value. Even then it’s completely dependent on what a collector is willing to pay. Thanks Luke



  30. mark on September 21, 2017 at 8:33 am

    is my new ac05 cord new 10 pound note worth anything



    • Luke Hearn on September 21, 2017 at 10:33 am

      Hi Mark, I’m afraid I cannot put a value on the note, if you are looking to sell I would suggest having a look on eBay to see if any similar notes have sold. Being honest, I would suggest that only the very low AA notes are worth anything more than face value. Even then it’s completely dependent on what a collector is willing to pay. Thanks Luke



  31. Lucy on September 20, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    How much is AA53??



    • Luke Hearn on September 21, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Hi Lucy, I’m afraid I cannot put a value on the note, if you are looking to sell I would suggest having a look on eBay to see if any similar notes have sold. Being honest, I would suggest that only the very low AA notes are worth anything more than face value. Even then it’s completely dependent on what a collector is willing to pay. Thanks Luke



  32. Antonia Shrimpton on September 19, 2017 at 11:37 am

    I have a new 10 pound note serial AA01 not creased immaculate?



  33. S Richardson on September 16, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    Ive just got 4 from ATM and have consecutive numbers 52 53 54 then 56 no 55 they are brand new notes so wheres the 55 gone?



    • Darren Haddock on September 22, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      I hard just got 4 consecutive new ten pound notes immaculate condition and have spotted several different printing errors are they valuable more in sequence



      • Luke Hearn on September 25, 2017 at 8:47 am

        Hi Darren, Consecutively numbered notes are certainly more desirable to collectors. Thanks – Luke



  34. Debra Jones on September 16, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    I have 2 notes AD07 827249 and AD07 827248 WOULD THEY BE WORTH ANYTHING



    • Luke Hearn on September 20, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Debra, Honestly, they’re probably not worth anything more than face value. The notes that would be worth more are the very early AA01 serials numbers. -Luke



      • Shaun Davenport on September 23, 2017 at 9:35 am

        What about the aa12 ones with 3 consecutive running notes?



  35. John on September 14, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Great information here, thankyou.
    My question is are the Bank of England going to hide away another famous face within the note.
    I had a feeling that the hidden ‘Jane Austin’ on the fiver meant she was going to be on the Tenner.
    And likewise if they do the same again in the tenner, that will be the face of the twenty. Etc etc.
    Cheers.
    JP



  36. Adam2218 on September 14, 2017 at 7:52 am

    Which banks is it possible to find them in at London?



  37. william wilson on September 14, 2017 at 7:21 am

    Excellent blog, keep up the good work



    • Luke Hearn on September 20, 2017 at 12:25 pm

      Many thanks William!



  38. Richard Skelly. on September 12, 2017 at 11:55 am

    Always enjoy reading your column. Interesting, and informative. Keep up the good work.



    • Luke Hearn on September 12, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks Richard! It’s great to hear you enjoy reading our blog- Luke



  39. Craig holt on September 11, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    Hi



  40. michael burman on September 11, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Don’t forget about Scottish notes/