Rarity pushes up value of Bank of England's oldest pound note by pounds 51,999

Iona Sale, of Spink & Son, displaying the second pound note issued and the oldest in existence. Dated 2 March 1797, it fetched pounds 52,000 when it was auctioned at Christie's last night. It was bought by Lou Manzie, from Southend, Essex, who said: 'This is a real prize, a substantial piece of history. I expected to pay around pounds 30,000 for it, but I think pounds 52,000 is a good price.'

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