The Bank of England recently admitted its forthcoming polymer banknote series – although a tough match for counterfeiters – could be susceptible to sticking together, causing frustration for consumers.
“Brand new polymer notes can sometimes stick together, but this effect is short-lived once in use,” warned Britain’s central bank, which says there is added risk folks could hand over more notes than intended.
Of course, it’s something we Canadians have dealt with for about five years now.
Many Canadians, included noted comedian and TV host Rick Mercer, voiced concerns about Canada’s polymer money after the Bank of Canada switched from using cotton to plastic to produce the country’s banknotes in 2011.
“Our new money, the new plastic bills, they’re stupid,” said Mercer during an on-air rant on his show, the Rick Mercer Report, in 2013. “I can’t think of another word for it.”
The Bank of England’s first polymer banknote – a £5 note featuring Winston Churchill – will enter circulation this September. The current £5 paper notes will be withdrawn before a new polymer £10 note is introduced in 2017.
Britain will join more than 30 countries (Canada among them, of course) that already use polymer banknotes.