Merlyn Lowther was the first female Chief Cashier in the Bank of England’s 300 year history. She came into office on the 1st January 1999 and retired from the Bank last year when she was replaced by current Chief Cashier Andrew Bailey.
While Lowther was Chief Cashier, there were two different designs of the £5 note issued with her signature.The first featured railway engineer George Stephenson on the back, alongside an illustration of his famous ‘ Rocket’ locomotive. These lasted until 2002 when the second design was introduced.
The second Lowther £5 was dogged by problems. It was supposed to be high tech with new security features and printed on tougher varnished paper. It depicted prison reformer Elizabeth Fry on the back. Despite the new security features, this Fry £5 was withdrawn from circulation within days of issue because the serial numbers were being rubbed off. It was re-issued later with the fault corrected.
We now offer Crisp Uncirculated examples of the two designs of Lowther £5. The Lowther Stephenson £5 at just £17.50 (B378) and the Lowther Elizabeth Fry £5 at just £12.50. Save when you buy the pair
Please note:To comply with Bank of England regulations, the word Specimen appears on illustrations. This DOES NOT appear on the actual note.
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| BEB7695 |
| Lowther Stephenson £5 Unc |
| £13.50 |
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| BEB8225 |
| Lowther Fry £5 Unc |
| £12.50 |
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| BEB8350 |
| Pair Lowther £5 Unc |
| £24.50 |
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