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which 20 pound notes are valuable ?

**Unveiling Hidden Treasure: How Common £20 Notes Can Fetch Thousands**

In the world of numismatics, the humble £20 note holds a secret: it could be worth thousands. While most of us view cash as merely a means of exchange, certain £20 notes have become highly sought after by collectors. Whether it’s a unique serial number or a design flaw, these notes can transform your wallet into a treasure trove. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of valuable £20 notes and uncover the secrets that make them so desirable.

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### **The Money Code: How to Decode Serial Numbers**

The serial number on your £20 note is more than just a sequence of digits; it’s a code that could unlock its hidden value. Here’s how to decipher it:

#### 1. **The Holy Grail: ‘AA01’ Prefix**
– The most coveted notes are those with the ‘AA01’ prefix. The first JMW Turner polymer £20 note, serial number AA01 000001, sold for a staggering £12,000 at auction. Even lower numbers in this range (000001–000999) can fetch between £200 and £5,000.

#### 2. **‘Golden Goose’ Patterns**
– **Sequential Numbers**: Notes with sequential numbers, such as AA01 12345678, can sell for £100–£2,000.
– **Mirror Imaging**: Mirrored sequences like 12 012 3456 2100 can command £150–£800.
– **All-Zero ‘Blingks’**: Notes with repeated digits, like AA01 00000000, could be worth over £300.

#### 3. **Errors Make Millions**
– Printing errors, such as misaligned holograms or off-color inks, can significantly increase a note’s value. One such £20 note sold for £2,500, proving that even imperfections can be valuable.

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### **The Time Capsule: Paper vs. Polymer Matters**

The transition from paper to polymer £20 notes has created a unique opportunity for collectors. Paper notes featuring Charles Darwin, phased out between 2017 and 2020, can be worth ten times their face value if they have rare serial numbers. The new polymer notes, introduced in 2020, are also highly prized, especially the first 10,000 issued.

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### **When to Hunt**

– **Paper £20s (2007–2020)**: Early batches with prefixes like AA01 000001 to AA01 000099 can sell for over £400. Look for prefixes like AA03 or BA02 for additional value.
– **Polymer £20s (2020 onwards)**: The first 10,000 polymer notes, such as AA01 000012, can fetch over £1,000.

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### **Where to Look—and What to Avoid**

– **Check These Spots**: On paper notes, serial numbers are vertical on the right side at the bottom. On polymer notes, they appear on the lower left and right edges in black ink.
– **Red Flags**: Avoid notes with fewer than 11 digits or those that are torn or damaged. Preserve pristine notes in plastic sleeves.

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### **The Market: Can it Really Fetch £10,000?**

Yes, but rarity is key. Top-tier notes like AA01 000001–999 can sell for £5,000 or more at auction. A pristine paper £20 with AA01 000001 could even reach £10,000.

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### **Expert Insights**

While the Bank of England values notes at face value, platforms like eBay reveal their true worth. Be cautious of scams and only deal with licensed dealers.

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### **Your Action Plan**

1. **Audit Your Wallet**: Check every note’s serial number daily.
2. **Hold Old Money**: Keep paper £20s issued before 2020 as they become scarcer.
3. **Avoid Fakes**: Beware of sellers offering free appraisals who demand payment upfront.

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### **Final Tips**

– **Check Online**: Visit websites like [Banknote Shop](http://www.banknoteshop.com) for serial value tracking.
– **Sell Smart**: Use reputable dealers or auction houses like Spink for high-value sales.

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### **Conclusion: Cash Can Be a Cash Cow**

Your everyday £20 note might be worth thousands. By spotting these hidden secrets, you can turn a mundane transaction into a profitable venture. Remember, always research with trusted sources and let rarity meet market demand!

**Inspired by insights from *This is Money*, *The Sun*, and the Bank of England. Always verify with an appraiser before selling!**

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