EMPTY your purses, wallets and bags as your £5 note could fetch up to £20,000.

Artist and engraver Graham Short issued four £5 notes into circulation which has a tiny portrait of 18th-century author Jane Austen engraved on it as well as quotes from the writer's novels.

The four notes have the serial numbers AM32 885551, AM32 885552, AM32 885553 and AM32 885554.

Mr Short worked for two weeks on each note before quietly putting it back into circulation.

In a statement Mr Short said: "She had a passion for reverence and ridicule and I think she would really like this idea."

"Next year is the 200th anniversary of her death and her image will be on the new £10 note".

The 70-year-old also said he was surprised by the prices quoted for one of the illusive notes.

He added: " I’ve no idea how much they will be worth if people try to sell them.

“But previous pieces I have worked on have been insured for more than £50,000.

“If somebody finds one I hope they will maybe put it on eBay. If they can get some extra money for Christmas I’ll be thrilled.”

Under the Currency and Banknotes Act 1928, it is illegal to deface banknotes by printing or writing words, letters or numbers on them.

However, in this case the Bank of England confirmed that the notes are still legal.

Are you a lucky finder of one of the £5 notes? Let our newsroom know.