The UK’s new polymer £10 note has entered circulation today. Featuring new security technology, more than one billion notes are set to be issued by the Bank of England.

The new £10 note joins the £5 in the first UK series of polymer banknotes – a move designed to make notes safer, stronger and cleaner. It is expected to last at least 2.5 times longer than the current paper £10 note – around five years – and stay in better condition during day-to-day use.

The new tenner, printed with a portrait of Jane Austen on the back, also includes sophisticated security features to make it difficult to counterfeit. A see-through window with the Queen’s portrait sits alongside a metallic image of Winchester Cathedral on the note, which shows a multi-coloured rainbow effect when tilted. The note also displays the number 10 in bright red and green under ultra-violet light, while the background remains dull in contrast.

The new polymer note, which is 15 per cent smaller than the paper £10 note, will also incorporate a number of tactile features to help the visually impaired. A series of raised dots in the top left-hand corner helps blind and partially sighted users to identify the denomination of the note, while there is also tiered sizing, bold numerals, raised print and different colour palettes to assist users.

Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, said: “Our banknotes serve as repositories of the country’s collective memory, promoting awareness of the United Kingdom’s glorious history and highlighting the contributions of its greatest citizens. The new £10 note celebrates Jane Austen’s work. Austen’s novels have a universal appeal and speak as powerfully today as they did when they were first published.”

Victoria Cleland, the bank’s chief cashier, added: “Today is an exciting day. It is wonderful to see the inspirational author Jane Austen celebrated on the new £10, and even more poignant being launched during the 200th anniversary of her death. I am grateful to the cash industry for their support in bringing the cleaner, safer, stronger notes to the public.”

Paper £10 notes featuring Charles Darwin will be gradually withdrawn from circulation as they are banked by retailers and businesses. Customers can continue to spend paper £10 notes as usual until legal tender status is withdrawn in spring 2018. The exact withdrawal date will be announced at least three months in advance.

Share Story: