5 pounds 1982
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1982 Clydesdale Bank 5 Pounds note (Pick 212a) featuring the iconic portrait of Scottish poet Robert Burns in formal 18th-century dress on the obverse. The reverse displays a harvest mouse amid botanical elements including roses referenced in Burns' poetry, rendered in intricate engraved detail with fine guilloche patterning throughout. In UNC condition with pristine surfaces showing no wear, creasing, or foxing, this note represents an excellent example of Scottish regional currency from the early 1980s.
Common. The 1982 Clydesdale Bank 5 Pounds note is a regular-issue banknote from a standard series with substantial print run. Market data shows eBay sales ranging from $15.99 to $299.99 USD in various conditions, with multiple UNC examples available at modest prices ($20-$125 range per 2019 catalogue values). The availability of numerous comparable sales at low to moderate prices strongly indicates this is a common issue despite its age.
The 1982 issue marks the beginning of Clydesdale Bank's Robert Burns commemorative series, celebrating Scotland's national poet during a period of renewed interest in Scottish cultural heritage. The inclusion of the harvest mouse and Burns-inspired rose imagery on the reverse reflects the bank's effort to connect Scottish monetary identity with the nation's literary and natural heritage. Dated 29th March 1982 and authorized by Clydesdale Bank's board in Glasgow, this note documents a significant moment in Scottish banking history during the early years of decimal currency standardization.
The obverse features Robert Burns, the 18th-century Scottish poet and national figure, portrayed in profile at left wearing formal period dress with cravat, executed in detailed engraving style. A large ornamental circular security rosette bearing '£5' appears in the upper right corner, with an ornamental oval/diamond intaglio design centered on the note. The entire surface is protected by intricate guilloche wave patterns and line work. The reverse depicts a naturalistic scene of a harvest mouse positioned on flora, accompanied by a detailed rose—referencing Burns' poetic works and the natural heritage of Scotland. Both sides feature complex dotted and patterned backgrounds with fine line engraving throughout.
FRONT: 'CLYDESDALE BANK PLC' (Issuing Institution); 'PROMISE TO PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT THEIR OFFICE HERE' (Promise clause); 'FIVE POUNDS STERLING' (Denomination); 'BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' (Authorization); 'CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER GLASGOW 29th MARCH 1982' (Official authorization with date and location); 'ROBERT BURNS' (Portrait subject identification); 'D DZ 179510' (Serial number). BACK: '£5' (Denomination symbol in circular rosette).
Intaglio engraving (offset and line engraving combined), the standard security printing method for British banknotes of this era. The note displays characteristic features of Bank Note Company or similar security printer work typical of Scottish banknotes from 1982, with intricate guilloche patterns, detailed line work, and complex security rosettes designed to resist counterfeiting.
Serial number prefix 'D DZ' observed on this example (D DZ 179510). Clydesdale Bank notes from this period were issued with various serial number prefixes. The specific printing date of 29th March 1982 is noted on the authorization line. Pick 212a specifically denotes the standard version of this 1982-1989 issue; later variant 212b exists with modified designs or security features. No significant overprints or emergency markings observed on this example.
