People in Wales have been advised to check their wallets for a unique £5 note that could potentially be worth an astonishing £50,000. These special notes, featuring a miniature image of a famous author on the see-through plastic segment, were crafted by artist Graham Short in 2016 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s passing.
The engraving of Austen can be seen on the transparent area of the note near Big Ben. In a video posted on TikTok, numismatic specialist The Coin Collector UK encouraged individuals to be on the lookout for these valuable notes. There were only four of these rare £5 notes released into circulation by Short in 2016, each bearing a discreet portrait of Jane Austen next to Big Ben on the clear window of the note. The numbers to watch out for are: AM32 885551, AM32 885552, AM32 885553, and AM32 885554.
These notes were spent in different regions within the UK – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However, only one of them remains undiscovered. The rarity and craftsmanship involved make these notes estimated to be worth tens of thousands of pounds. Short, known for similar projects, also engraved £5 notes with Harry Kane’s face after he achieved the Golden Boot at the World Cup, which are believed to hold a similar value.
Additionally, he imprinted the Queen’s portrait on a speck of gold, selling for £100,000. The unique nature of these specially engraved notes has sparked a treasure hunt among collectors and those eager to discover if they possess a hidden gem in their possession.
Ensure to keep a keen eye on your fivers while handling transactions or checking your wallet, as one of them could potentially hold a significant cash value due to its extraordinary and scarce characteristics.