AN AMERICAN Cent coin discovered in a carrier bag has sold for more than £11,000.

The 1794 coin sold for more than triple its estimate when it went under the hammer at Duke's in Dorchester.

A packed saleroom turned out for the sale of coins, collectables and militaria in the county town.

There were record numbers of bidders registering online and strong bidding from dealers and collectors over the phone as the two-day sale saw around 150 lots make a total of more than £400,000.

One of the most popular sections of the sale was the American coin section, which featured a range of coins spanning American history from the early 18th century through to the 1920s.

The 1794 coin was discovered by Duke's auctioneers amongst other coins at the bottom of a plastic bag.

At the auction it went on to sell for £11,224.

Other highlights included a proof half-dollar from 1863, the year in which Abraham Lincoln ordered the Emancipation Proclamation to proclaim the freedom of slaves in the Southern States as a war measure during the civil war.

This historic coin sold also smashed its estimate to sell for more than £2,000.

Coin specialist Mr Medhurst said: "The market for American coins is at an all-time high, with some examples fetching record prices.

"This particular cent dated 1794 was found in a plastic bag amongst other somewhat valueless coins. This shows that there are still many treasures to be discovered even in the most unlikely of places."

Mr Medhurst will be at a valuation morning Duke's is holding a NFU Mutual at The Creamery, Station Road in Sturminster Newton this Friday.

The event runs from 10am to 1pm and Mr Medhurst will be able to value any antique or collectable items people would like to learn more about.

He can also be contacted for free advice on coins, medals, militaria and collectables at timothy.medhurst@dukes-auctions.com or on 01305 265 080.