The Bank of England 5 Pounds note of 2002 belongs to the Series E (revised), often referred to as the “Elizabeth Fry” note.
The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the right, with the denomination “£5” and security features including a metallic thread, watermark, and microlettering.
The reverse depicts Elizabeth Fry (1780–1845), the social reformer known for her pioneering work in prison reform and education. She is shown reading to female prisoners, symbolizing her legacy of humanitarian service.
Obverse
Brown and green on multicolour underprint; serial numbers red/green and blue.
Queen Elizabeth II at right, Britannia in the hologram at left.
Scripts: Latin, Latin (cursive)
Lettering:
Bank of England
I PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND THE SUM OF
FIVE
Pounds
London
For the Govr. and Compa.
of the BANK of ENGLAND
EIIR
Engravers: Debbie Marriott, Andrew Ward
Reverse
Bust and signature of Elizabeth Fry, English social reformer, at right, scene of women and children in workhouse at left.
Scripts: Latin, Latin (cursive)
Lettering:
BANK of ENGLAND
FIVE
Pounds
Eliz-th Fry 1780-1845
Engravers: Debbie Marriott, Andrew Ward
Watermark
Queen Elizabeth II
© italianumismatics
Signatures
| Merlyn Lowther (ML) | Chief Cashier |  |
| Andrew Bailey (AB) | Chief Cashier |  |
| Chris Salmon (CS) | Chief Cashier |  |
Comments
Date last issued: 2016.
Design: Andrew Ward as Chief Designer and design work by Debbie Marriott.
P#391a (2002) from serial # prefix HA01 The first issue of these notes bore a serial number printed on varnished paper which was easily rubbed off. These notes were withdrawn from circulation and P#391b was issued.
UV activity – obverse only:
© Kiet Tran
Security thread:
Windowed into eight sections on the obverse side, no inscription when seen under backlight.
© Kiet Tran
Features
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Bank of England |
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Years | 2002-2016 |
| Value | 5 Pounds (5 GBP) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (decimalized, 1971-date) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 135 × 70 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Issued | 21 May 2002 |
| Demonetized | 5 May 2017 |
