Follow this topicFollow this topic Knowledge » The economy  Why
fivers are so dirty  Rosalind Kent by Lovemoney Staff Rosalind
Kent on 21 March 2011  |  Comments 7 comments  Five pound notes
are dirtier and are likely to carry more bacteria than other
notes. Why?  Why fivers are so dirty  Have you got a fiver in
your wallet or purse? Take a look at it – chances are that it
will be markedly less pristine than its higher denomination
companions.    The humble fiver has gone through many
incarnations over the years, bearing the portraits of luminaries
such as the Duke of Wellington, George Stephenson and Elizabeth
Fry (who is on the current note.)  But, many have been in
circulation so long, and are in such bad condition, that Ms Fry
would no doubt have donned a pair of rubber gloves if she had
ever come into contact with one.  Why are they filthy?  It seems
there are a number of factors have contributed to their shoddy
appearance. This Bank of England table shows that there are
fewer fivers in circulation than