Rare coin found in Kent sold at auction for £240,000

The coin was sold to a private bidder at double the estimated price

A rare coin discovered by a widow from Kent while searching a chest of drawers belonging to her late husband has been sold for £240,000 at auction.

The commemorative coin was made from Spanish gold seized from 18th Century treasure ships and only 16 were believed to have been created.

It was sold privately, at double the estimated price, by Gorringes auctioneers in Lewes, East Sussex.

The woman, of Tunbridge Wells, said she did not know why her husband had it.

Auctioneer Clifford Lansbury said there had been a lot of interest in the coin from dealers around the world, and it had sold for a record price.

"The highest record for that coin being sold in recent years is about £150,000," he said.