The story of the rare £5 notes, which are worth up to £50,000, has taken a lovely twist today as an anonymous donor who was lucky enough to find one has donated it to charity.
In total four new £5 notes were inscribed with tiny portraits of Jane Austen and some of her famous quotes were produced by specialist engraver, Graham Short, and released into circulation.
The project was thought up by the team at the Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery in Kelso and the hunt for the notes became a bit like the search for a golden ticket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I didn't find one, in case you were wondering.
Credit: Facebook/Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery
Advert
However, a lady who did find one contacted the owner of the gallery, in the Scottish Borders, to tell him that she had found one. He told the woman, known only as J, that the money was worth a lot of money and she told him that she thought the scheme was fantastic and that she would keep him updated about what she would do with the money.
The gallery then received a letter containing the note and hand-written letter, which read:
"Tony,
"It was lovely to speak to you today.
"£5 note enclosed, I don't need it at my time of life. Please use it to help young people.
"Kindest regards, J x"
How nice is that?
Staff at the gallery and Graham Short had a discussion about where to donate the money before they decided to use the money raised via auction for Children in Need.
Credit: PA
Advert
Speaking to ITV, assistant gallery manager and head of media and communication, Michael Huggins, said that Children in Need was, "what first came to our minds when thinking about causes that assist young individuals in Britain."
Graham is now set to create another one-off piece to be auctioned with the note.
The notes, which were put released in four locations across the UK.
Advert
The serial numbers are quotes are:
Sadly for me, three have now been found. The only one left out there is the last one with the serial number AM32 885554.
Topics: Bank of England, UK