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1 Pound - George V Treasury issue, 1st series
| Issuer | HM Treasury |
|---|---|
| Year | 1914 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Pound |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
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| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is essentially blank, showing only the printed design elements visible in show-through from the obverse — the note was printed on one side only, with no independent reverse design. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | John Bradbury |
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| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The first British government paper pound in over a century, rushed into existence in August 1914 to prevent a run on gold coin as war mobilization created panic withdrawals. The enabling legislation — the Currency and Bank Notes Act — passed on 5 August, and printed notes were in public hands within days. The speed was remarkable; the preparation was not. Early sheets showed misaligned serial numbers and inconsistent perforation, and the thin paper used in this first series was ill-suited to heavy handling.
Bradbury's signature gave these their enduring nickname. "Bradburys" remained in common use long after the series was replaced.