Historic theatre token fetches £8.6k at auction

Only 20 of the tokens are still known to be circulating, making the piece "incredibly rare"

A theatre token from 1766 which gives the owner unlimited access to shows has been sold for more than £8,000 at auction.

It is one of 50 minted tokens gifted to the first 50 shareholders of the Bristol Old Vic theatre who helped fund its construction between 1764 and 1766.

The rare silver coin was pocketed for a hammer price of £8,600 at Auctioneum in Bath on Thursday.

The local buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told auctioneers he is a keen theatregoer who plans to use the token "at every opportunity".

The Bristol Old Vic will still honour the token for free entry, should it be presented

The inscription on the token reads: "The proprietor of this ticket is entitled to the sight of every performance to be exhibited in this house."

The reverse side reads: "King Street Bristol Theatre, May 30, 1766."

Another of the tokens sold for £9,200 at a Wiltshire auction house last year, at which time the Bristol Old Vic said it would still be valid for use - though not for touring shows.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: "It's been quite remarkable, we've actually had interest from all over the world.

"Of course though, it belongs in Bristol, and we've had our most interest from Bristol collectors. So it's really nice that it sold to a Bristol collector.

"Apparently he's going to go and use it at every opportunity he gets."