Lot 85: A Bank of England Ten Shilling Banknote, Signed J. S. Fforde

A Bank of England ten shilling banknote, Series C, designed by Robert Austin. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II within a circular frame to the right and a seated figure of Britannia in a smaller vignette to the left. The note is printed in reddish-brown and ochre tones on a cream-coloured paper. Legible printed text includes BANK OF ENGLAND, I promise to pay the Bearer on Demand the sum of Ten Shillings, and LONDON For the Govr and Compa of the BANK OF ENGLAND. A printed signature for J. S. Fforde Chief Cashier is present at the lower centre. The serial number 23W 936772 is printed in black in two locations. A metallic security thread runs vertically through the paper. The reverse features a seated Britannia within an oval frame, surrounded by geometric lathe work and the words TEN Shillings.