CHRISTMAS SALE IS PACKED WITH INTRIGUING ITEMS

A 17TH-CENTURY gold coin ... a ring dripping with 36 diamonds ... and a mysterious bracelet that some believe could bestow long life ... are just a few of the attractions in this year's Christmas Auction at the Eastgate Saleroom.

- By JAMES LAVERACK

The sale is packed with interesting and unusual gift possibilities for the forthcoming festive season, although given the fact that the gold five guinea coin going under the hammer is expected to make £18,000-£20,000 the chances of it turning up in a stocking on Christmas morning are probably a bit slim.

It is a very rare coin, not least because it was minted in 1687, so during the brief reign of James II, an unpopular king who wore the crown for just three years (1685-1688) before fleeing the country in the bloodless coup that put William and Mary on the throne.

Excluding specials, the five guinea was the largest British gold coin ever produced. Introduced in 1668, it was last minted in 1753. The coin was 1.5 inches in diameter and had to weigh between 41 and 42 grams (1.3-1.4 ounces).