A hoard of gold made ?�200,000 ($343,047) for charity at Hansons Auctioneers in Derby, UK on June 27 after the consignor read Jesus' parable on the rich man in the Bible.
The lot (which included watches, sovereigns, rings and cigarette cases) had been stored under a bathtub for a number of years.
 This Victorian era sovereign was among the items that made up the hoard |
Owner Charles Hanson explained: "A mystery Derbyshire collector put up for auction their entire collection of gold items that resembled a modern day Saxon hoard".
Apparently, the man showed up with the gold in a backpack - which he revealed to an understandably startled valuer.
Hanson went on: "We of course acted with due diligence on receiving such an important consignment delivered to our showrooms, and have been touched by the consideration of the local concern our vendor wishes to assist.
"I can make no further comment with regard to the local good cause the money will support, but for one small Derbyshire concern it will make a world of difference and guarantee its longevity and wellbeing in the years to come."
There was an increase of ?�16,000 ($27,443) on the lot's estimate as the collectors bidding faced fierce competition from investors.
The consignor commented on his act of generosity: "Where there is a genuine need in others it should be fulfilled by those of us who can help. After a lot of soul searching and a fierce internal debate, angry scepticism turned into my belief.
"Like a modern day Saul of Tarsus, I saw the light'".
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