Penny that saved soldier's life sold at auction for thousands

A lucky penny which saved a soldier's life in the First World War has sold for thousands at auction and will remain in the family.

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

John's granddaughter, Maureen Coulson from Derbyshire decided to put the penny up for auction not expecting it to sell for any more than £50.

The coin was brought by Mr Nigel Trickett - the cousin of Maureen and the grandson of Private John Trickett, in a bid to keep the penny in the family.

An initial estimate for the penny was £30-£50 but at the auction, the penny was sold for £5,445.

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, bending under the force but ultimately deflecting the danger.