Before the banknotes enter circulation, they must pass the production tests, related to the quality of notes and security of the money. Many factors influence the length of time a banknote stays in circulation, including the overall durability, but also non-altered signals in automated authentication, for security. The lifespan of notes can also vary for different denominations, as some are more frequently used in making payments. If a banknote no longer meets quality standards, it needs to be taken out of the market.
Value of banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK)
As of 2021, the 20-pound banknote denomination in circulation had the highest value in the United Kingdom (UK). According to the Bank of England's data, the total value of all five, 10, 20 and 50 British pounds banknotes in circulation on the UK's market was equal to approximately 80.03 billion GBP.
Removing banknotes out of circulation
The reasons for removing banknotes out of circulation are multiple, and they can include the banknotes having been damaged (washed, chewed or damaged by fire), as well as having been contaminated. Since 2005, the number of counterfeit Bank of England banknotes removed from circulation has fluctuated, reaching their peak volume of 746 thousand in 2012. Additional information can be found in the Statista dossier about the British pound sterling.
Total value of all denomination banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2021
(in million GBP)
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Bank of England. (June 15, 2021). Total value of all denomination banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2021 (in million GBP) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/398992/banknotes-value-circulation-british-pounds-united-kingdom-uk/
Bank of England. "Total value of all denomination banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2021 (in million GBP)." Chart. June 15, 2021. Statista. Accessed August 17, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398992/banknotes-value-circulation-british-pounds-united-kingdom-uk/
Bank of England. (2021). Total value of all denomination banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2021 (in million GBP). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: August 17, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398992/banknotes-value-circulation-british-pounds-united-kingdom-uk/
Bank of England. "Total Value of All Denomination Banknotes in Circulation in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2014 to 2021 (in Million Gbp)." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Jun 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398992/banknotes-value-circulation-british-pounds-united-kingdom-uk/
Bank of England, Total value of all denomination banknotes in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2014 to 2021 (in million GBP) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398992/banknotes-value-circulation-british-pounds-united-kingdom-uk/ (last visited August 17, 2022)