The Canberra number plate that could fetch $40,000 at auction

Ban Hastings, from AllBids, with the rare X plate now up for auction. The three-digit plate on the right fetched $31,000 recently. Picture by James Croucher

Is it the appeal of the X factor, a salute to Canberra's once-thriving adult industry, or simply just a passing kiss?

These interpretations and more are readily available as one of the rarest vehicle registration plates issued in the ACT has hit the auction market.