UK’s first polymer banknote in the running for top accolade

The UK’s first banknote in circulation to be made from a polymer substrate is in the running for the title of “banknote of the year.”

The £5 notes issued by Clydesdale Bank earlier this year are the only UK note on the shortlist, facing competition from other countries including Singapore, Gambia and New Zealand. 

Two million of the polymer £5 notes are in currently in circulation. Later this year, a new polymer £10 note will be made, featuring Robert Burns. This is expected to enter circulation in 2017.