The Gibraltar £5 banknote issued in 2020 by the HM Government of Gibraltar

The Gibraltar £5 banknote issued in 2020 by the HM Government of Gibraltar is a visually striking piece of currency, notable for its thoughtful design and intricate security features. Measuring precisely 140mm in width and 70mm in length, this banknote is standard for contemporary currency, providing ease of use and storage.

The front side of the Gibraltar £5 note prominently features a dignified and clear portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, elegantly placed towards the left center. The portrait is printed in a meticulous manner that achieves a highly realistic representation, showcasing subtle expressions and details. To the right of the portrait, the note bears the official coat of arms of Gibraltar, detailed with precision, further authenticating its official status.

Above the portrait and coat of arms, the banknote clearly displays the phrase “HM GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR,” reassuring holders of its legitimacy. In alignment with international banknote standards, the currency’s denomination “£5” is visibly printed in several locations, ensuring instant recognition. Alongside, the serial number appears distinctly, printed twice—in vertical and horizontal orientations—in a vibrant, contrasting red ink, enhancing visibility.

A distinctive design element of the obverse includes a combination of overlapping geometrical shapes and gradient lines in shades of aqua blue, turquoise, and subtle green. These colors interplay beautifully, giving the banknote a contemporary feel while providing visual complexity essential for security.

On the reverse, the design shifts to an artistic representation of Gibraltar’s iconic Windsor Bridge, carefully rendered in fine detail. This prominent local landmark symbolizes Gibraltar’s heritage and modern infrastructure. The image is thoughtfully composed to showcase the bridge’s distinctive suspension structure, capturing both its engineering elegance and environmental context.

The reverse also prominently displays the denomination “£5” and the text “FIVE POUNDS Sterling,” providing clarity and consistency with the obverse. The text “HM GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR” is also printed vertically on the side, echoing the official declaration from the front side.

The reverse design adopts the same palette as the obverse but transitions slightly towards a richer blue tone interwoven with subtle green and gold hues. The delicate integration of these colors not only reinforces visual harmony between both sides of the note but also enhances security by complicating attempts at counterfeiting.

The banknote primarily employs an attractive blend of aqua, blue, and green tones. Aqua blue dominates, signifying Gibraltar’s deep connection to the surrounding sea. Shades of green gently emerge throughout the note, symbolizing the territory’s natural landscapes and environmental preservation efforts. Gold highlights discreetly enrich the design, especially on the reverse side around the bridge illustration, adding subtle warmth and visual depth.

The Gibraltar £5 note incorporates multiple advanced security measures designed to protect against counterfeiting. These features include:

• Watermark: A highly detailed watermark of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appears on both sides when the note is held against light, providing a sophisticated and difficult-to-replicate security measure.
• Security Thread: Embedded within the note is a vertically-oriented security thread that becomes clearly visible upon illumination. It contains micro-lettering “Gibraltar £5” repeating continuously.
• Latent Image: A hidden numeral “5” can be seen within a patterned area when the note is tilted at certain angles, significantly increasing its security.
• Holographic Feature: A vertical holographic stripe features shifting colors and dynamic effects when viewed from different angles. This stripe additionally displays the numeral “5” and intricate patterns that further enhance protection.
• Micro-text and Fine Lines: Extremely fine lines and micro-texts reading “HM GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR” and “FIVE POUNDS” appear throughout, difficult to replicate accurately.
• Ultraviolet Ink: Under ultraviolet (UV) light, certain elements, including specific patterns and the note’s denomination, illuminate vividly, providing an additional verification layer.

The Gibraltar 2020 £5 note is actively circulated within Gibraltar and is legal tender, accepted widely in local commerce. Its intricate design and advanced security features make it practical for daily transactions and reliable against counterfeiting attempts.

For collectors, this £5 banknote holds particular appeal. Its aesthetic charm, historical significance—featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II—and representation of iconic Gibraltar landmarks enhance its desirability. Numismatists and currency collectors actively seek these notes, particularly those with lower serial numbers or in uncirculated conditions, which are often valued higher. The Gibraltar Government periodically issues commemorative notes, but the 2020 regular issue remains particularly appealing due to its distinct visual design, technical sophistication, and symbolic representations.