In 2007, the portrait on the back of a £20 pound note in the UK was changed from composer Sir Edward Elgar to economist Adam Smith. This change sparked some controversy among music enthusiasts, as Elgar had been featured on the note since 1999. However, the decision to replace him with Adam Smith was made in honor of the 300th anniversary of Smith's birth.

Adam Smith is considered one of the founding fathers of modern economics, known for his seminal work "The Wealth of Nations." His ideas on free markets and the division of labor have had a lasting impact on economic theory and policy. The Bank of England chose to feature him on the £20 note to celebrate his contributions to the field of economics.

While Sir Edward Elgar was a renowned composer, his portrait was ultimately replaced by Adam Smith to reflect the changing face of British society and the importance of economics in the modern world. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the tribute to Smith's legacy and others lamenting the loss of Elgar's presence on the note.

For more information on the history of the £20 pound note and the decision to feature Adam Smith, you can visit the Bank of England's official website at www.bankofengland.co.uk. Here, you can find detailed information on the design process for banknotes and the reasoning behind the selection of individuals to be featured.

Overall, the replacement of Sir Edward Elgar with Adam Smith on the £20 pound note represents a symbolic shift towards recognizing the importance of economics in society. While some may miss Elgar's presence, the decision to honor Smith's contributions to the field of economics reflects the evolving priorities of the Bank of England and the UK as a whole.

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