Bank of England, £5, ND (1957-67), serial number A01 000003, L. K

Bank of England, £5, ND (1957-67), serial number A01 000003, L. K. O'Brien signature, this banknote stands as an important artefact in the chronicles of currency history. Serial Number 3 (First Run), with the serial number A01 00003, is acclaimed as the pinnacle of post-war Bank of England notes and features the iconic lion and key design. It is also known as the 'lion and key fiver' or the 'Britannia fiver'. The visionary design, conceived by Stephen Gooden, marked a daring departure from the traditional £5 note design that had endured since the late 1700s. Gooden's vision to create such an intrepid change from custom is a testament to his courage and readiness to put even his own reputation on the line. His design captivated the public's eye so successfully that, despite only being issued for six years, the note retained its status as legal tender for an additional four years.

The significance of the banknote is accentuated by its unique provenance. Banknotes of the same design, with the serial numbers 1 and 2, were presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and now reside in the Royal Collection. However, Serial Number 3 is traditionally bestowed upon the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan received the esteemed honour of being presented with this very note in 1957. Complementing this note is its original Bank of England leather presentation wallet, dated February 1957 and embellished with a gold figure of Britainnia on the cover; imagery which mirrors the helmeted Britannia on the obverse of the note.

Where all the other denominations of the series were abandoned at the essay stage, this note stands alone in its category as a depiction of the shift from conventional choices at the time. Serial Number 3 embodies a rare convergence of historical significance, aesthetic allure, and fascinating provenance, making it an unparalleled representation of the finest post-war Bank of England notes, (Pick 371, BNB 178a, EPM 277), in PMG holder 63 Choice Uncirculated, rare and fascinating.

Estimate: £18000 - £22000