Everything You Need to Know About the £20 Note

If you’ve ever handled a £20 note you might have wondered what makes it different from other bills. The answer is a mix of history, art and security gadgets that keep the note safe from copycats. In this guide we’ll look at where the note comes from, what you see on it, and how to tell a fake from a real one.

Design and security features

The modern £20 note went live in 2020 and shows the famous painter J.M.W. Turner on the front. Turner's portrait is printed with a raised feel that you can feel with your fingertips. The back of the note celebrates the British coastline, featuring the dramatic cliffs of Dover. Both sides use a mix of colours, tiny patterns and holographic strips that change colour when you tilt the note.

Key security elements include:

• Watermark: Hold the note up to light and you’ll see a faint portrait of Turner.
• Security thread: A thin metallic line runs vertically through the paper. It glints when you tilt the note.
• See‑through window: Tiny shapes line up on both sides to form a complete image when you look through the paper.
• Micro‑lettering: Tiny words like “Twenty Pounds” appear in the background pattern. You need a magnifier to read them.
• Colour‑changing ink: The number “20” on the front shifts from green to gold as you turn the note.

All these features are there to make it hard for counterfeiters to copy the note. Banks and police use special machines that can read these details in seconds.

Spotting counterfeit £20 notes

Even with all the security tricks, some fake notes still slip through. Here’s a quick checklist you can use right now:

1. Feel the paper. Real notes use a special polymer that feels a bit slick, not like regular paper.
2. Look at the watermark. It should be clear, not blurry.
3. Tilt the note. The holographic strip should change colour smoothly.
4. Check the raised printing. Run your finger over Turner’s face – you’ll feel tiny bumps.
5. Use a light source. Hold the note up and see if the security thread shines through.

If anything looks off – colours that are fuzzy, missing watermarks, or a paper feel that’s too smooth – treat the note as suspicious. The safest move is to take it to your bank or a trusted shop for verification.

Knowing these details not only protects you from fraud but also helps you appreciate the design work that goes into the note. The next time you pull out a £20, you’ll recognize the subtle details that keep your money secure.

Whether you’re a student, a traveler or just handling cash daily, keeping an eye on these features will save you trouble. Stay aware, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of Britain’s £20 note.