The Bank of England is proposing to replace historical figures on several banknotes with designs featuring animals and birds [1].
This shift represents a departure from traditional currency iconography, moving away from human portraits to highlight British wildlife and engage the citizenry in the national design process [2].
The proposal affects the £10, £20, and £50 denominations [1]. Rather than selecting the images internally, the bank is inviting the British public to vote on the final designs [1].
Officials said they have presented 18 different animal design options for the public to consider [2]. This initiative aims to showcase the natural heritage of the United Kingdom while modernizing the appearance of the currency [2].
The voting process is currently open and will continue until July 2026 [2]. Once the selection period ends, the bank will use the results to finalize the imagery for the new banknotes [1].
The announcement was made on June 3, 2026 [1]. The bank has not yet specified the exact date when the new notes will enter circulation, though the voting window concludes next month [2].
“The Bank of England is proposing to replace historical figures on several banknotes with designs featuring animals and birds”
The transition from historical figures to wildlife suggests a pivot in how the Bank of England views national identity, prioritizing environmental heritage and public participation over the commemoration of individual political or social leaders. By crowdsourcing the design through a public vote, the bank is likely attempting to increase public kinship with the currency and reduce the political friction often associated with selecting historical figures for banknotes.
