Five new pence as a paper note — something that existed only in the British Army. In 1972 the sixth series of British Armed Forces Special Vouchers was issued to servicemen, and once Britain had gone decimal, military money too was counted in new pence.

The vouchers themselves date back to 1946, when the Army set out to stop goods intended for soldiers from leaking onto the black market. The text on the back warns plainly that the note is valid only for transactions within official canteens and organisations, and that improper use is a disciplinary offence.

The sixth series has just three denominations: 5, 10 and 50 new pence. It was printed by two British firms, Bradbury Wilkinson and De La Rue; this piece comes from the Bradbury Wilkinson printing, which the Pick catalogue lists as M47–M49, this denomination being M47.

For a military money collection this note closes the story of British Army vouchers that began in 1946; alongside the De La Rue printing (M44–M46) it shows both printers’ versions of the final series. UNC condition means the note has never circulated: no folds, no wear, no soiling, even corners — just as it left the press.

More banknotes from this country and this era are waiting in the VPcoins catalogue.