How one small penny saved a soldier’s life

Private John Trickett looked death in the eye when an enemy bullet was aimed at his heart during the First World War – but a penny saved his life.

Private Trickett kept the penny in the breast pocket of his soldier’s uniform as a reminder of home.

It proved to be his lucky penny, as the coin took the full impact of a German bullet during the conflict.

The items are being sold at auction by John's granddaughter, Maureen Coulson, 63, from Duffield in Derbyshire.

The dented penny is being sold by Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers’ militaria expert Adrian Stevenson.

The penny is part of a collection of collectable items belonging to Private Trickett, including his British War Medal and Victory Medal.

The collection will be sold on March 22 with an estimate of £30-£50.