Di-Faced Tenner
2004
Print on Paper
The ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ features a counterfeit £10 banknote with Princess Diana's face, instead of the Queen's. It serves as a satirical commentary on the media's treatment of Princess Diana and the cult of celebrity. The substitution of ‘Bank of England’ for ‘Banksy of England’ and the inscription ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand the ultimate price’ alludes to the tragic fate of Princess Diana, the intrusive nature of the tabloid media, and the notion of value associated with fame.
In 2004, Banksy created £1,000,000 worth of fake currency copies and dropped them at public events as part of an artistic performance. The piece gained further recognition when the British Museum added ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ to its collection in 2019, representing Banksy's first artwork in the museum.
POW*released an actual print of the ‘Di-Faced Tenner’ in 2004. This print featured a sheet of five uncut notes in two columns and was released as a limited edition of 50 prints, all signed by the artist.
*Pictures on Walls (POW) was established in 2003, partly by Banksy, to provide artists with a platform to sell their work directly, without having to pay dealer commissions. It played a significant role in supporting emerging street artists and enabling them to sustain their careers by producing high-quality original prints.