At-a-glance: A history of Ernie
Cloak-and-dagger
In 1972, the faster Ernie 2 was launched, capable of producing more premium bond numbers.
Ernie generates numbers randomly. These are then matched against existing bond numbers.
The jackpot rose from £5,000 in 1960; to £50,000 in 1971 and was £250,000 by 1980.
Each jackpot winner is personally notified by "Agent Million", a mystery person.
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