SCOTLAND. Bank of Scotland. 5 Pounds, 17.7.2015. P-129. Commemorative. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67 EPQ.An iconic note that is one of (if not THE) rarest polymer notes ever produced, one of the rarest 21st century notes and one of the rarest commemorative notes ever made. In 2015, the Bank of Scotland issued 50 examples of this type, which was designed by 12-year old Kayla Robson, who won a competition and made the design of Pudsey holding a Scottish flag. The primary design element on the back is Pudsey Bear, who in 1985 became the mascot for the BBC Children in Need charity, which aims to make positive and lasting change for children and young people across the UK. The note was the first polymer note for the bank, with a normal issue of the same design (but with a different back) that followed shortly thereafter for circulation. Most of the 50 pieces produced were sold in charity auctions in 2015 and 2016 with the proceeds going to BBC children in need. There were a total of 40 notes produced with serial numbers PUDSEY01 to PUDSEY40, with the remaining 10 pieces offered having personalized serial numbers to be determined after the auction.<p>With just 50 notes produced of this type, and the fact that it is legal tender, it is not surprising that this relatively modern note is on the wish list of many advanced collectors. The notes were printed by De La Rue on Safeguard Polymer. After the charity auction precious few have appeared on the secondary market, as these notes are typically closely held by collectors who purchased them at the charity auction or shortly thereafter. As of the time of cataloging PMG has graded 11 of the Pudsey Bear commemoratives, with this example tied for finest in the PMG population report. It also has one of the lowest serial numbers to appear on the secondary market. An exceptional offering and despite its relative recent issue one of the key highlights of this auction.
