Time to raid your wallets, purses, and the dreaded 'junk drawer'—a specific £10 note lurking in your change could be worth an absolute fortune to eager collectors.
The Bank of England's polymer £10 note, featuring author Jane Austen, might seem like everyday cash. But financial experts and numismatists (coin and currency collectors) are issuing an urgent alert: certain serial numbers are highly sought-after, transforming a mere tenner into a potential goldmine worth hundreds of pounds.
The 'Holy Grail' Serial Number To Hunt For
The most coveted find is a note bearing the serial number AA01 000001. This isn't just any number; it signifies the very first note printed in a brand-new series. Its rarity and status as a 'first' make it the crown jewel for collectors.
While finding note number one is incredibly unlikely, other early low serial numbers from the AA01 batch are also causing a stir in the collectibles market. The value skyrockets the closer the number is to that coveted '1'.
Why Are These Notes So Valuable?
It all boils down to the basics of collectability: scarcity and desire. The first note of a series is produced in extremely limited quantities, sometimes just a single sheet. Owning a piece of monetary history, especially from a new polymer series, is a huge draw for enthusiasts.
The unique combination of the series code 'AA01' and a low serial number creates a perfect storm of rarity that drives up auction prices significantly.
How Much Could Your £10 Note Be Worth?
The potential is staggering. While your note will always be worth £10 at your local shop, its value to a collector is a different story entirely.
- Ultra-Rare AA01 000001: Could fetch an astonishing £500 or more at auction.
- Other Early Low Numbers (AA01 0000XX): Notes with numbers in the low hundreds have been known to sell for £150 to £300.
- Notes with Interesting Patterns: Even notes with serial numbers that form patterns (like 007700 or 123456) can attract a premium from niche collectors.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you strike gold and find a note with a low AA01 serial number, follow these steps:
- Handle with Care: Avoid folding, creasing, or writing on the note. Its condition is paramount to its value.
- Store Safely: Place it in a protective sleeve or a hard-backed book to keep it pristine.
- Do Your Research: Check online marketplaces like eBay and specialist currency dealer sites to gauge recent selling prices for similar serial numbers.
- Consider Selling: For the best return, look into selling via a dedicated coin auction house or a reputable online collectibles platform.
So, before you next hand over a tenner for your morning coffee, take a quick glance. That unassuming bit of plastic in your hand might just be your luckiest find of the year.
