An ultra rare Aussie coin found in a charity shop has sold for £7,500 at an auction.

The early 19th Century 15 pence piece – known as a "Dump" – was spotted by Oxfam volunteer John Turner while he was looking through a bag of coins which had been donated to the branch in Orpington.

Experts confirmed the Australian New South Wales 15p piece is from 1813 and is older than the country of Australia.

Earlier this month it was sold at Noonans Mayfair for a hammer price of £7,500 in a sale of coins and historical medals.

It was estimated to fetch £5,000-7,000 and was bought by a dealer from the USA.

John, who is in his mid 70s, has volunteered for Oxfam for the past 10 years since he retired from banking. He is based at his local Bromley shop.

After the sale, he said: “As a volunteer of nearly ten years, it is not every day you make discoveries like these.”

“When I first found the coin, I had no idea what it was, but I am so glad I persevered with the research.

“I am thrilled that it has sold at such a brilliant price - especially knowing that all the money raised will go towards Oxfam.”

Shelley Hitch, a valuer at Oxfam, said: “It is absolutely amazing that the coin has sold for such a high price.

“It is hard to believe that something so small could end up being so extraordinary.

“Volunteers like John are so valuable to Oxfam and it means we can raise the money we need to help fight poverty across the globe.”