British 10 shillings Banknote (Emergency wartime issue) Issued 1940

British banknotes were issued in different denominations by the Bank of England including this 10 shillings emergency wartime banknote. This 10 shillings note forms part of the withdrawn pre-decimal series of British banknotes. This special emergency issue was introduced in 1940 during the Second World War and was later withdrawn from circulation after the war.

This 10 shillings paper banknote is predominantly purple and grey-green in colour. On the obverse side, at the left, is a detailed oval medallion showing Britannia seated, holding a trident and shield. In the centre is ornate calligraphic text reading “Bank of England – Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand Ten Shillings”. To the right is a decorative cartouche containing the value “10 Shillings”, while the issuing city LONDON and the Chief Cashier’s signature appear in the lower right. The background is filled with fine wavy line engraving designed to deter counterfeiting, a feature typical of wartime emergency issues.

On the reverse of the note is a symmetrical ornamental design dominated by large curling acanthus leaves and scrollwork. In the upper left and upper right corners appears the value “10/–” inside decorative frames. The centre section is left open to display the engraved background, with no pictorial scene, reflecting the simplified but secure style adopted for wartime production.

• Indicate the quantity of 10 shillings banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you have additional notes and coins you wish to exchange, please follow the steps above. Once you are finished, head over to checkout to complete the transaction and you will receive payment within 5 days of us receiving your currencies.

If you are looking to exchange old British pre-decimal banknotes, we provide a fast, secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn Bank of England notes, including rare 10 shilling emergency wartime issues from the Second World War. Many banks no longer accept pre-decimal currency, but we specialise in exchanging discontinued British banknotes and paying you directly into your UK bank account.

Whether you have a single wartime note or a collection of withdrawn British banknotes, our simple online system makes it easy to exchange your old currency quickly and safely. Do not let your withdrawn 10 shilling wartime banknotes go to waste — add your notes to your account today and convert your old British banknotes into cash with a reliable UK currency exchange specialist.