Banksy – Di-Faced Tenner

Description

Banksy’s ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ is a counterfeit £10 note that features Princess Diana’s head and the text “Banksy of England” instead of “Bank of England”. Banksy’s design of the notes includes hidden messages of criticism towards the royal family and the media’s treatment of Princess Diana.

The traditional British £10 note was ‘defaced’ by Banksy under POW Defaced Currency, which he titled ‘Di-Faced Tenner’. His £10 note replaced Queen Elizabeth II’s face with Princess Diana as the new figure of authority and admiration. Banksy also made some subtle alterations, including adding the statement “I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price” as a sharp comment on the fate of Princess Diana. The reverse side of the note features the ominous statement “Trust No One” beneath the portrait of Charles Darwin.

Banksy released the first Di-Faced Tenners in 2004 by dropping his suitcase full of notes into crowds at the Notting Hill Carnival, Reading Festival, and Liverpool Street tube station during rush hour. Despite having entered approximately 100,000 Di-Faced Tenner notes into circulation, Banksy has never been prosecuted with counterfeiting charges.

Banksy – Di-faced Tenner (Front)

Banksy – Di-faced Tenner (Back)