The Lady with the Lamp: A Mid-Series Masterpiece

Add a touch of Victorian elegance and British banking history to your portfolio with this pristine, uncirculated Series D £10 note. Known as the "Florence Nightingale" issue, this series (1975–1994) was the first to feature a historical female figure on the reverse. This specific note carries the signature of David Somerset, documenting the Bank of England's leadership during the 1980s.

Historic & Design Highlights:

• Obverse (Front): Features the iconic "Grugeon" portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. In the center, a stylized lily—the symbol of nursing and compassion—anchors the design. The signature of D.H.F. Somerset (Chief Cashier 1980–1988) is featured prominently in the center-bottom.

• Reverse (Back): A detailed engraving of Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) holding her lamp while tending to the wounded in the hospital at Scutari during the Crimean War.

• Symbolism: The note's warm brown and orange tones were specifically chosen to distinguish it from the blue £5 and green £1 notes of the same era.

Item Details:

• Issuer: Bank of England.

• Series: Series D (Nightingale Series).

• Denomination: Ten Pounds (£10).

• Serial Number: AN87 778866 (Features a fantastic repeating digit pattern!)..

Collector's Perspective: For many collectors, the Somerset signature represents the definitive era of the Series D tenner. Finding an AN prefix note in this grade is increasingly difficult, as the majority were heavily circulated and eventually replaced by the smaller Series E notes in the early 90s. This is a "time capsule" piece for any lover of British currency.