Debden Sets

Debden Sets are all limited editions of GB notes, sometimes produced with coins, gold, silver and cupro-nickel. Prices vary from £50 to around £2,000. The editions with accompanying crowns (some being gold) are very rare indeed. For some time there was a debate as to the veracity of the ‘first and last’ issues and there… Read more »

All too much

When Iook a the latest Spinks and DNW catalogues I realise how many notes I wish I could buy. The Treasury notes, the Provincials, the White notes and the parchment Mahons….how wonderful they are. I wish I was a millionaire, able to buy the lot! However, it is a case of being selective and picking… Read more »

St Johnstone FC

Some may love Tai Chi, Feng Shui, Hill Walking, Art, Cruises on ships, Climbing K2, my attachment to St Johnstone goes back over 60 years to the days of youth. I remember standing on the terracing at the old Muirton Park, cheering on the Saints as they trounced Rangers, Celtic and Dundee!! (the defeats are… Read more »

1822 Bank of Scotland Mail

This is a lovely wrapper from 1822 – addressed to the Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh. There is a mileage mark (578) and various cancellations which mark the route….via North Berwick and Haddington. The North Berwick mark with SO (Sub Office) in an oval is quite rare. It is worth £25 and was bought at… Read more »

1840 Uniform Penny Post and Today

A Uniform Penny Post did not last for too long and nowadays, postage charges vary so much. Ebay alone will offer dozens of options. I offer free GB postage but the cost varies, with extra ‘insurance’ being paid to cover high value items. Overseas post, sent by Special Delivery (Track and Trace) seem secure but… Read more »

Scottish Banknotes and Paper Money of Scotland (2018)

Recently, I attended the East Midland IBNS Chapter Meeting. Besides sharing information, news, and seeing other banknote areas of interest I was pleased to buy the Two Volume edition of ‘Paper Money of Scotland’.(2018) What a wonderful guide to Scottish banknotes and banking history. Not only is there a fantastic guide to pricing of modern… Read more »

Be Kind to the Bank Tellers

I have been with my bank for over 30 years and have a good rapport with the staff behind the counter. IWhen I go in I always ask if they have any AA01, AA** prefixes on the £10 and £5 polymers. I always pick up notes in this way. The polymer collection of AA01s and… Read more »

Footballers’ Portfolios

I spoke to a well-known dealer this week. I was told Premier League footballers are entering hte banknote market to buy notes in order to increase their portfoloio!!! ‘Portfolio’ is a word few of us would ever think of using in banknote collecting. We all look for something special and each of us has different… Read more »

Were Fivers That Size?

A British £5 note has undergone lots of changes over the years. Nowadays, we are all familiar with the polymer £5 that fits easily into the wallet, purse and pocket.I think many people are taken by suprise when they see a white fiver (£5 note). White £5 notes were legal tender till 1961. Nowadays, a… Read more »