FIRST WELSH SIGNATURE ON UK BANKNOTES

For the first time in history there will be a Welsh person's signature on UK bank notes.

On October 19, Rhys Phillips will take over the role of Chief Cashier of the Bank of England.

Rhys was born in Neath, and grew up in Baglan near Port Talbot. As such he will be the first Welsh Chief Cashier in the Bank's history, and will be taking on one of its most recognisable public roles.

As well as having his signature on every banknote, he will oversee the production and distribution of the next generation of banknotes, following the announcement that wildlife will replace historic figures on banknotes.

The theme of Wildlife is representative of the UK, but it will also allow these new notes to feature cutting edge security as we step up the fight against counterfeiting.

The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will represent UK wildlife and feature as the central images on the next series of UK banknotes.

The decision comes after nearly 500,000 people responded to a public consultation asking which native wildlife they would like to see on the banknotes. They chose from a shortlist of 18 options across three categories – mammals; birds; and amphibians, insects and fish – developed in collaboration with a panel of UK wildlife experts.

The Bank used the feedback from the consultation to decide on the four animals, one for each denomination of banknote. The selected animals meet the Bank's objectives for a distinctive set of banknotes that can support counterfeit resilience and are representative of the UK.

The barn owl (Tyto alba), buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) were the most popular animals in their respective categories. The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) was selected because it was the most popular marine animal. The inclusion of a marine animal will add variety to the series, making the denominations easier to distinguish and will provide an opportunity to celebrate the British coastline.

To read the complete article, see:
First Welsh person in history to have signature appear on every UK banknote (https://nation.cymru/news/first-welsh-person-in-history-to-have-signature-appear-on-every-uk-banknote/)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web