BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: Spink/BNPS

Pictured: The coin case, with "John Robert Fletcher" written on it

An incredibly rare set of proof coins set to 'rewrite the history books' has emerged for sale in the UK for £438,000.

The proof coins were bought from the United States Mint by a tissue paper manufacturer from Manchester on a business trip 134 years ago.

His descendants, who now live in the Midlands, rediscovered the coins when they were having a clear out during lockdown and decided to have them valued.

The set of 13 is believed to be the only full set in private hands and its discovery has already caused specialists to plan additions to the history books.

John Robert Fletcher, a tissue paper manufacturer from Stoneclough in Manchester, picked up these extraordinary coins directly from the United States Mint in late 1888