Rare coin sells for £17,500

5:44pm Monday 26th May 2008

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A RARE English penny has been sold at auction in North Yorkshire for a record-breaking £17,500.

The number five die coin, which dates back to1863, was bought by a private collector from Scotland last week as part of a £176,000 sale at Tennants Auctioneers, Leyburn.

Thought to be the only one of its type in existence, the coin had been stamped with a die number below the date, a practice introduced by the Mint in the 1860s for unknown reasons.

Die numbers two, three and four have already been found, but a number five die penny has never been recorded until now.

The penny was inspected by Royal Mint authorities, including the chief engraver, who shared the view that the figure beneath the date was indeed a five.

Jeff Gardiner, of Tennants Auctioneers, said: "There were reports of another number five die coin about 20 years ago, but we agree that this was probably that same coin and that in fact there is only one in existence.

"When I first heard about it I had my doubts, but looking at the coin it's very clear indeed.

"We are all very excited to have such a rare find sold here at Tennants."

In addition to coins, tokens and medallions, the sale also included bank notes, with an 1891 Lancaster Banking Company Note selling for £650 and a Kendal One Pound Bank Note selling for £750.