Overview
A paper five-pound sterling banknote featuring Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and social reformer Elizabeth Fry on the reverse. This specific note bears the signature of Andrew Bailey, who served as Chief Cashier from 2004 to 2011.
Preliminary identification
Bank of England Series E (Variant) £5 Note, Elizabeth Fry
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
In 2002, Elizabeth Fry became only the second woman (after Florence Nightingale) to appear on a British banknote. She was chosen for her radical work improving prison conditions, a legacy that traveled in pockets for 15 years.
Maker / Origin
The Bank of England has been issuing notes since 1694. This note features the signature of Andrew Bailey, who rose from Chief Cashier to eventually become the Governor of the Bank of England in 2020.
Condition & Value
The note shows significant circulation wear, including heavy vertical and horizontal folds, corner rounding, and general paper softening. These condition issues prevent it from reaching the higher prices seen for 'Uncirculated' examples. Condition reduces value by roughly 60-70% compared to a crisp note.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.