A Bank of Scotland £5 "BBC Children in Need" charity banknote, also known as the "Pudsey note," just sold in Spink's "408 - World Banknotes at NYINC" in New York City on January 16, 2026.
Congratulations to the new owner of one of the world's scarcest polymer banknotes.
The lot description reads:
Lot 112: "Bank of Scotland, limited edition polymer £5, 17th July 2015, serial number PUDSEY11, A bespoke design for BBC Children in Need, featuring vibrant blues with the Bank's head office in Edinburgh at centre-left, and a thistle motif in background, with the portrait of Sir Walter Scott at the right. The back of the note depicts the iconic Pudsey Bear raising a Saltire flag, illustrated specially for Children in Need by 12-year-old Kayla Robinson. (PMS BA 132, Pick 129), uncirculated in its original presentation wallet, incredibly rare as one of only 50 printed, especially appealing as number 11!"
estimate $4,500 - $7,500
BUYER'S PREMIUM 22.5% plus VAT, where applicable
The banknote sold for USD 16,000 (hammer price) + USD 3600 (buyer's premium) + VAT, where applicable.
Donald Ludwig, January 19, 2026
