Major mistake is spotted on millions of $50 notes circulating in Australia

• The word ‘responsibility’ in a speech by Edith Cowan is misspelled on the note 

An embarrassing spelling mistake can be spotted on millions of $50 notes circulating in Australia because they were never recalled after being printed in 2018.

The word ‘responsibility’ is misspelled as ‘responsibilty’ – although it is almost impossible to spot at first glance as the text is extremely small.

The word ‘responsibility’ is misspelled as ‘responsibilty’

The spelling mistake can be found on millions of $50 notes in circulation

The note was brought into circulation in October 2018 – and many remain today as the Reserve Bank chose not to recall them.

The word is part of a speech by Australia’s first female politician, Edith Cowan, whose portrait is featured on the note.

‘I stand here today in the unique position of being the first woman in an Australian parliament. It is a great responsibility,’ she said in her speech.

The misspelling is included three times on the note as text from Ms Cowan’s speech is repeated in the design.

In 2018, A Reserve Bank of Australia spokesman said they were aware of the error.

‘The spelling will be corrected at the next print run,’ he said.

A spokeswoman added: ‘We are not withdrawing or recalling banknotes with the spelling error. They will remain in circulation until they reach their normal end-of-life.’

In 2018, A Reserve Bank of Australia spokesman said they were aware of the error.

Rare currency dealer Jim Noble said notes with the misprint will not be worth more as there are millions in circulation.

‘That’s a very embarrassing error,’ he said.

‘The buck stops with those who are producing it. It’s a joke for Australia.’

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