Online sellers seek to cash in

People are cashing in on news of Sir Edmund Hillary's death with more than 30 listings associated with him popping up on the online auction website Trade Me.

Numerous $5 notes are for sale, most of which are signed. Sir Ed was the only living New Zealander chosen to feature on a New Zealand banknote. His image is on the $5 note. A framed set of three signed $5 notes, with a reserve of $1000, has so far attracted no bids. Bidding for an unsigned $5 note has reached $10.

An amateur painting of Sir Ed is being auctioned, with the proceeds being donated to the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. Bidding was at $10 yesterday. A 1954 National Geographic magazine featuring Sir Ed on the cover, and signed by him, has a reserve of $3000 with no bids placed.

Other items include an LP with the song We're proud of you, written in 1953 to celebrate Sir Ed's achievements according to the seller, copies of books by and about Sir Ed and a framed commemorative set from the 50th anniversary of his ascent of Everest.

- NZPA