Britain’s New Plastic Polymer Five Pound Note Unexpectedly Works as Needle for Vinyl Records

On September 13, 2016, the Bank of England issued a new five pound note made from a plastic polymer that lasts longer, has higher security features and is good for the environment. It also is evidently, able to act as a crude needle for a vinyl record. This curious side effect was discovered by sound artist Michael Ridge who tested the bill’s efficacy out on the classic ABBA single “Money, Money, Money”

Since the issuance, a number of people have put the new plastic fiver under a great deal of stress to find out where its breaking point might be.

This is our experiments (even using a laser) with a wad of new Five Pound notes we got our hands on, its a complete tear down including, cooking it in a bread-maker, paint stripper and spirit, we even micro waved it. We are showing realistic what if scenes here with the actual results. The new 5 pound note in plastic! Its not indestructible as you will see but can easily handle a washing machine as well as a dishwasher!

Here’s the official announcement of the new Fiver.

via Boing Boing