NIP – Northern Ireland Pound
Monetary System
1 pound = 20 shillings = 240 pence
1971: 1 pound = 100 pence
Many commercial banks issued notes over Northern Ireland’s history, but through bankruptcies, mergers, and rebranding, today only five remain:
Bank of Ireland (BOI),
Northern Bank (NOR),
Danske Bank (DB),
First Trust Bank (FTB), (will ceasing issuing banknotes).
Ulster Bank Limited (UBL).
Bank of Ireland (Belfast)
2017 Polymer Issues
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 129 x 66 mm
Blue. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; flower in green SPARK; Medusa head. Back: English text; Medusa head; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Simulated security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 129 x 66 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 130 x 68 mm
Brown and purple. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; flower in purple SPARK; Medusa head. Back: English text; Medusa head; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Simulated security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 130 x 68 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 139 x 73 mm
The Bank of Ireland UK introduced a new 20-pound note on 20 July 2020. In addition to the transition to polymer substrate, the note’s security is enhanced with a clear window in the holographic stripe and iridescent ink. The note also has a tactile feature with three arrangements of four dots in a square formation, enabling physical identification for the visually impaired.The new polymer notes circulate in parallel with the paper 20-pound notes. There are currently no changes to the Bushmills 50-pound note or to the Queen’s University Belfast 100-pound note.
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. DEPTH IMAGE holographic stripe. Simulated security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 139 x 73 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
2013 – 2017 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with revised color schemes and new security features, including a dual-image holographic patch at upper right for 10- and 20-pound banknotes and a dual image and filigree for the 50-pound note. All denominations have a wider windowed security thread.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 136 x 70 mm
Blue, purple, orange, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; carving of owl, Sapientia (Wisdom) and scales, Justitia (Justice); Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Windowed security thread with demetalized braid design with 5. Watermark: Medusa head, electrotype chevron, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 136 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 143 x 75 mm
Brown and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; holographic patch. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Windowed security thread with demetalized braid design with 10. Watermark: Medusa head and electrotype chevron. Printer: (De La Rue). 143 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 80 mm
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; holographic patch. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Windowed security thread with demetalized braid design with 20. Watermark: Medusa head and electrotype chevron. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 80 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 79 mm
Purple and black. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; holographic patch. Back: English text; gargoyle from Graduate School Building at Queen’s University Belfast; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Windowed security thread with demetalized braid design with 50. Watermark: Medusa head and electrotype chevron. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 79 mm. Paper.
2008 Commemorative Issues
These notes commemorate the Diageo’s Bushmills whiskey distillery’s 400th anniversary. Stephen Kirkpatrick, chief executive of Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland, said, “Because Bank of Ireland is one of the leading business banks in this region, we felt our new notes should feature a business that is symbolic both of our heritage and of our skill in crafting products for a global market.”
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 136 x 70 mm
Blue, purple, orange, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; carving of owl, Sapientia (Wisdom) and scales, Justitia (Justice); Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 136 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 143 x 75 mm
Purple, green, orange, and blue. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 143 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 80 mm
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Old Bushmill’s Distillery, Co. Antrim; chevron. Yellow solid security thread with demetalized BOI. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 80 mm. Paper.
1995 – 2007 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with slight alterations to the designs to accommodate uniform security features across all denominations, including the new 50-pound note.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 135 x 70 mm
Blue, purple, orange, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; carving of owl, Sapientia (Wisdom) and scales, Justitia (Justice); Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 135 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Purple, green, orange, and blue. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 79 mm
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 79 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 79 mm
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers in rectangular OVI patch. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Solid security thread with printed text. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 79 mm. Paper.
Like preceding issues, but new security thread, OVI patch at upper right front, and redesigned upper left back.
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 155 x 85 mm
Olive green, green, brown, red, and blue. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; gargoyle from Graduate School Building at Queen’s University Belfast; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 155 x 85 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 162 x 89 mm
Red, purple, orange, blue, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 162 x 89 mm. Paper.
1990 – 1994 Issues
These notes have completely new designs.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 135 x 70 mm
Blue, purple, orange, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; carving of owl, Sapientia (Wisdom) and scales, Justitia (Justice); Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 135 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Purple, green, orange, and blue. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 79 mm
Green and brown. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 79 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 162 x 89 mm
Red, purple, orange, blue, and green. Front: English text; bank seal with seated woman; flowers; Medusa heads; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); chevron; Celtic pattern as registration device; flowers. Back: English text; Celtic pattern; Lanyon Building at Queen’s University Belfast; chevron. Yellow solid security thread. Watermark: Medusa head. Printer: (De La Rue). 162 x 89 mm. Paper.
Northern Bank
The Northern Banking Company was formed on 1 August 1824, and opened for business on 1 January 1825 as the first joint stock bank to be established in Ireland. The bank changed its name to Northern Bank Limited (NOR) in January 1929.
2008 – 2011 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with enhanced security features including windowed security threads, gold foil patches, and Cornerstone watermarks, plus slightly redesigned fronts and backs to accommodate the new bank logo.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Green, purple, orange, red, and yellow. Front: English text; bicycle; Northern Bank logo; inventor John Boyd Dunlop; circular gold foil patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: John Boyd Dunlop, electrotype Te n, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 80 mm
Blue, purple, brown, red, and orange. Front: English text; Ferguson-Brown Model A agricultural tractor; Northern Bank logo; inventor Henry George “Harry” Ferguson; gear-shaped gold foil patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: Henry George “Harry” Ferguson, electrotype Twenty, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 80 mm. Paper.
2005 – 2006 Issues
On 20 December 2004, approximately £26.5 million worth of banknotes were stolen from the Donegall Square West headquarters of Northern Bank in Belfast, Northern Ireland, making it the biggest bank robbery in Irish history (unsolved as of 2018). The haul included £15.5m of new and used Northern Bank notes, £4.5m of used sterling notes issued by other banks, and small amounts of other currencies, largely euros and US dollars. In response, the Northern Bank recalled all of its notes larger than 5 pounds and replaced them with these notes, which are like the preceding issues, but with revised color schemes.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Green, purple, orange, red, and yellow. Front: English text; bicycle; Northern Bank logo; inventor John Boyd Dunlop; circular OVI patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide solid security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: John Boyd Dunlop and electrotype Te n. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 80 mm
Blue, purple, brown, red, and orange. Front: English text; Ferguson-Brown Model A agricultural tractor; Northern Bank logo; inventor Henry George “Harry” Ferguson; gear-shaped OVI patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide solid security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: Henry George “Harry” Ferguson and electrotype Twenty. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 80 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 156 x 85 mm
Purple, brown, orange, and red. Front: English text; tea drying machines; Northern Bank logo; flowering tea plant; inventor Samuel Cleland Davidson; gear-shaped holographic patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide solid security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: Samuel Cleland Davidson and electrotype Fifty. Printer: (De La Rue). 156 x 85 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 163 x 89 mm
Red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. Front: English text; pilot in aircraft ejection seat with parachutes; Northern Bank logo; outlines of airplanes and propellers; inventor James Martin; gear-shaped holographic patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide solid security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: James Martin and electrotype 100. Printer: (De La Rue). 163 x 89 mm. Paper.
2004 Issues
This 10-pound note is like the preceding issue, but with the bank’s new logo and logotype on front and back.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Brown, red, orange, and yellow. Front: English text; bicycle; Northern Bank logo; inventor John Boyd Dunlop; circular OVI patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide solid security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: John Boyd Dunlop and electrotype Te n. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Danske Bank
In 1965, the Midland Bank Group took over the Northern Bank Limited, which was merged with the Belfast Banking Company in 1970, but continued to operated under the Northern name. In August 1987, Midland sold Northern to the National Bank of Australia, who subsequently sold it in 2005 to Den Danske Bank of Denmark. On 15 November 2012, Northern Bank changed its trading name to that of its Danish parent, Danske Bank. For more information, visit www.danskebank.co.uk.
2019 Polymer Issues
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 139 x 73 mm
Blue, purple, and brown. Front: English text; Danske Bank logo; Ferguson TE20 agricultural tractor; inventor Henry George “Harry” Ferguson. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. DUAL IMAGE holographic stripe. Simulated security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 139 x 73 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
2017 Polymer Issues
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 130 x 68 mm
Green, purple, and blue. Front: English text; circular SPARK; Dunlop’s son riding first bicycle with inflatable tires; Danske Bank logo; inventor John Boyd Dunlop. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. Simulated security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 130 x 68 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
2012 – 2016 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with the new logotype and name Danske Bank prominently above a trading name of Northern Bank Limited which promises to pay the bearer on demand. The bank ceased issuing 5-, 50-, and 100-pound notes, and used Bank of England notes instead. Northern Bank notes of all denominations continued to circulate in parallel.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 139 x 73 mm
Green, purple, orange, red, and yellow. Front: English text; bicycle; Danske Bank logo; inventor John Boyd Dunlop; circular gold foil patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: John Boyd Dunlop, electrotype Te n, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Reportedly 100 notes with prefix DB (for Danske Bank) were given to bank staff at the changeover from Northern Bank to Danske Bank in 2013.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 150 x 80 mm
Blue, purple, brown, red, and orange. Front: English text; Ferguson-Brown Model A agricultural tractor; Danske Bank logo; inventor Henry George “Harry” Ferguson; gear-shaped gold foil patch. Back: English text; architectural drawings, tower, dome, and pediment of City Hall, Belfast. 1.2-mm wide windowed security thread with demetalized NORTHERN. Watermark: Henry George “Harry” Ferguson, electrotype Twenty, and Cornerstones. Printer: (De La Rue). 150 x 80 mm. Paper.
Ulster Bank Limited (Belfast)
Established in 1836, Ulster Bank was acquired by the Westminster Bank in 1917. As a subsidiary of National Westminster Bank, it became part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group in 2000. The Ulster Bank Group is subdivided into two separate legal entities, Ulster Bank Limited (UBL) headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Ulster Bank Ireland Limited headquartered in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
For more information, visit www.ulsterbank.com.
2018 – 2021 Issues
On 23 May 2018, Ulster Bank unveiled the designs of two new banknotes which would eventually be introduced on 27 February 2019 under the “Living in Nature” theme. Both notes have vertical designs and are printed on polymer substrate. The 5-pound note focuses on Northern Ireland as a place that people pass through and visit, highlighting the importance of the sea and migration. The 10-pound note focuses on Northern Ireland as a place of growth, both in terms of agriculture and heritage.
The fronts of the 5- and 10-pound notes have the legal clause “Ulster Bank Limited / promise to pay the bearer on demand … at Head Office Belfast / For Ulster Bank Limited.” The designs unveiled for the 20-pound note originally scheduled for introduction on 20 July 2020 also bear the same legal clause.
However, on 14 February 2020, the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which included the National Westminster Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank, was renamed NatWest Group. Due to this name change, the legal clause on the 20-pound denomination will be changed to “National Westminster Bank Plc, / trading as Ulster Bank, promise / to pay to bearer on demand … at Belfast.” It is unknown if the bank printed any 20-pound notes with the old clause. Notes with the new clause will be issued “in the near future,” which some sources cite as October 2020, but given that the notes are dated 1 March 2021, a later introduction date is more likely.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 66 x 128 mm
Blue. Front (vertical): English text; a flock of flying Brent Geese; outline of Strangford Lough in County Down; flowers; RBS Group logo in green-to-blue SPARK Orbital. Back (vertical): English text; a flock of flying Brent Geese; small boat in Strangford Lough; map; people and dog along shoreline; king scallop. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 66 x 128 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 68 x 130 mm
Brown. Front (vertical): English text; running Irish hare; outline of lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh; butterfly; Guelder-rose shrubs; RBS Group logo in copper SPARK Orbital. Back (vertical): English text; farmers and team of horses plowing Ulster Glade potato fields; seated Irish hare. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 68 x 130 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 73 x 139 mm
Purple. Front (vertical): English text; Sargasso sea eels; outline of Lough Neagh; butterfly; Hawthorne flower; RBS Group logo in magenta SPARK Orbital. Back (vertical): English text; Sargasso sea eels; street musicians and clapping audience in Derry/Londonderry’s Halloween celebrations; tiles, brickwork, and patterns. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). 73 x 139 mm. Polymer (Safeguard).
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size:
Red. Front (vertical): English text; pine martin; cryptic wood butterfly; gorse flower. Back (vertical): English text; female scientist with pipette and vials; female mill worker with textile loom; two male workers; outline of sea plane; pine martin. No security thread. Watermark: None. Printer: (De La Rue). Dimensions unknown. Polymer (Safeguard).
Ulster Bank unveiled today its new banknote of 50 pounds , which will honor of astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell 1967 discovery of pulsars. The announcement has been made today to colndde with the International Women’s Day. The actual date of Issue Is 15 June 2022.
Dame Jocelyn discovery was recognized with the 1974 Nobel Prize for Physics.
The note also shows In the back Willies”, the women who were the backbone of the Northern Irish linen Industry.
2007 – 2017 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with the addition of the RBS Group (Royal Bank of Scotland, corporate owner since 2000) logo and new font for the Ulster Bank Limited name on front and back.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 134 x 70 mm
Brown, purple, green, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; silver RBS Group logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: DE LA RUE. 134 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Green, purple, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: DE LA RUE. 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 148 x 80 mm
Purple, green, yellow, and red. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; gold RBS Group logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: DE LA RUE. 148 x 80 mm. Paper.
2006 Commemorative Issues
This 5-pound note commemorates football (soccer) player George Best, (born 22 May 1946, died 25 November 2005). All genuine notes have prefix GB; some counterfeits are known with prefix A.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 135 x 70 mm
Brown, purple, green, orange, blue, red, and yellow. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; George Best overprint; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; RBS Group logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; netting; soccer ball; signature and images of George Best. Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: (De La Rue). 135 x 70 mm. Paper.
1996 – 2006 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with enhanced security features including a security thread, a stripe with the NatWest (National Westminster Bank, corporate owner since 1917) logo pattern on the 10-pound note, a silver NatWest logo on the 5-pound note, a gold NatWest logo on the 20-pound note, and a holographic patch on the 50-pound note. The prefix and novel 7-digit serial number at upper left front is red horizontal versus black horizontal at upper right front. All notes now carry the signature title GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE. The 50-pound denomination returned to the family, while the 100-pound denomination was excluded.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 135 x 70 mm
Brown, purple, green, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; silver NatWest logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: DE LA RUE. 135 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Green, purple, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 148 x 80 mm
Purple, green, yellow, and red. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; gold NatWest logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 148 x 80 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 157 x 85 mm
Olive green, brown, pink, orange, purple, yellow, and blue. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; holographic NatWest logo; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). Solid security thread with demetalized ULSTER BANK. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE LIMITED. 157 x 85 mm. Paper.
1989 – 1993 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but the physical sizes have been reduced, the color schemes and printer imprints have changed. Neither the 1- or 50-pound denominations were issued as part of this family.
Description: 5.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 135 x 70 mm
Brown, purple, green, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). No security thread. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. 135 x 70 mm. Paper.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Green, purple, and orange. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). No security thread. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 148 x 80 mm
Purple, green, yellow, and red. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). No security thread. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. 148 x 80 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 162 x 90 mm
Purple, green, yellow, orange, and red. Front: English text; flax flowers; haystacks in field and Mourne Mountains; Queen Elizabeth II Bridge over River Lagan in Belfast; basalt columns in Giant’s Causeway, Antrim; flax flowers. Back: English text; Munster coat of arms (three crowns); Ulster coat of arms (arms of the de Burgh, Earls of Ulster, and red hand seal of the O’Neills); Ulster Bank coat of arms (chained dogs and shield); Leinster coat of arms (harp); Connacht coat of arms (eagle and hand with sword). No security thread. Watermark: ULSTER BANK LIMITED pattern. Printer: THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED. 162 x 90 mm. Paper.
First Trust Bank
First Trust Bank will cease issuing banknotes.
We DO NOT buy these notes anymore.
Current notes can be used until 30 June 2022.
In 1991, the Allied Irish Banks Public Limited Company merged with the Trustee Savings Banks, and in 1994 changed its name to the First Trust Bank (FTB).
1998 – 2012 Issues
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with enhanced security features.
Description: 10.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 142 x 75 mm
Brown, purple, green, blue, pink, and orange. Front: English text; First Trust Bank logo; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); statue of horses and child; Irish man wearing sweater; gold foil patch. Back: English text; The Girona, a galleass, an oared fighting ship of the Spanish Armada; gold and ruby salamander pendant. Solid security thread with printed FIRST TRUST. Watermark: Young woman. Printer: DE LA RUE. 142 x 75 mm. Paper.
Description: 20.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 149 x 80 mm
Purple, orange, green, brown, and blue. Front: English text; First Trust Bank logo; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); statue of horses and child; Irish woman wearing lacy dress. Back: English text; ancient metal tongs; reverse of 1582 gold scudo coin from Naples; chimney at Lacada Point; Spain’s Philip II on obverse of 1582 gold scudo coin from Naples. Windowed security thread with demetalized FIRST TRUST. Watermark: Young woman. Printer: DE LA RUE. 149 x 80 mm. Paper.
Description: 50.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 156 x 85 mm
Olive green, black, and blue. Front: English text; First Trust Bank logo; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); statue of horses and child; Irish man wearing jacket and tie; holographic patch. Back: English text; golden Cross of a Knight of Santiago de Compostela; two cherubs and obverse of 1588 commemorative medal with The Spanish Armada sailing ships at sea; reverse of 1588 commemorative medal with church on rock amid waves and shield of Prince Maurice of Orange. Windowed security thread with demetalized FIRST TRUST. Watermark: Young woman. Printer: DE LA RUE. 156 x 85 mm. Paper.
Description: 100.00 NIP – Northern Ireland Pound Size: 160 x 90 mm
Olive green, black, brown, green, and blue. Front: English text; First Trust Bank logo; coats of arms of Northern Ireland counties (Tyrone, Antrim, Down, Londonderry, Armagh, Fermanagh); statue of horses and child; Irish woman wearing lacy dress and Irish man wearing jacket and tie; holographic patch. Back: English text; Gold Cross of the Knights of Malta; The Armada sailing ships at sea; Cross of the Order of Alcantara. Windowed security thread with demetalized FIRST TRUST. Watermark: Young woman. Printer: DE LA RUE. 160 x 90 mm. Paper.
Northern Ireland
The island of Ireland was partitioned under the Government of Ireland Act 1920, or the Fourth Home Rule Bill, passed at the United Kingdom Parliament in Westminster. The act’s intent was to provide for better devolved government (Home Rule) in Ireland, then part of the UK, by dividing its administration into two entities: Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Due, however, to the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Home Rule never took effect. Instead, the War of Independence ended with the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921, which provided for the establishment of the Irish Free State and the right of Northern Ireland to secede.
The Irish Free State was proclaimed on 6 December 1922, became Éire (Ireland in English) in 1937, and is officially described as the Republic of Ireland per Article 2 of the Republic of Ireland Act 1948. For banknote issues from these states, see Irish Free State and Republic of Ireland. The day after the Irish Free State was proclaimed, the parliament of Northern Ireland in Belfast resolved to exercise its right under the Anglo-Irish Treaty to secede, and formally did so on 8 December 1922. It has thus remained a part of the United Kingdom with a devolved government and its own parliament. However, due to the difficult political situation, Northern Ireland banknotes have never carried an image of the reigning monarch, as is customary on most other UK and Commonwealth notes.
Unlike England and Wales, but similar to Scotland, several retail banks in Northern Ireland have the right to issue their own banknotes, backed by deposits at the Bank of England in London. Northern Ireland banknotes were not issued, however, until 1929, some seven years after the establishment of the state, and pursuant to the 1928 Bankers’ (Northern Ireland) Act. Prior to this, the banknotes of earlier issuers from Ireland, Great Britain, Scotland, and others, were in general circulation. Initially, six retail banks were given the right to issue notes, but via mergers and acquisitions, only four remained in 2015.
Again, unlike England and Wales, but identical to Scotland, Northern Irish Law has no definition of legal tender for banknotes (only for coins). Thus, while Northern Ireland banknotes are legal currency throughout the UK, they are legal tender nowhere, not even in Northern Ireland itself. ATMs in Northern Ireland dispense the banknotes of all current Northern Ireland and Scotland issuers, as well as Bank of England notes. Banknotes from the nearby Isle of Man can also be found in circulation, as well as, occasionally, notes from Guernsey and Jersey. Areas bordering onto the Republic of Ireland will readily accept euro.
