Big bids expected for ‘sexy’ money

A banknote from the Seychelles in which the word ‘sex’ was secretly hidden in the design is to be auctioned.

The 50 rupee note issued between 1968 and 1973 features Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. The naughty message is in the palm trees by her head.

Some believe the insult was added because at the time the Seychelles was trying to gain independence from Britain.

It has been suggested that it was done by a rogue engraver.

Others believe it was an unfortunate error; however, another note in the series appears to carry the word ‘scum’, implying it was deliberate.

Today, 50 Seychelle rupees is worth about €3.50 but the note that is to go under the hammer on October 15 has an estimate of £200.

Timothy Medhurst, from the saleroom, said: “This is a very collectable item for obvious reasons."

"Amazingly the added message wasn’t noticed, or was perhaps never mentioned, until after it stopped being printed.”