RICHARD III has been in the news around the world in recent days after the incredible discovery of his bones in the unlikely setting of a Leicester car park.

East Anglian Daily Times: The earliest surviving portrait of Richard IIIThe earliest surviving portrait of Richard III

Now people have the unusual opportunity to own a little piece of the Plantagenat king’s story.

An extremely rare coin minted during the monarch’s short reign - which lasted from June 1483 to August 1485 - is set to go under the hammer, with experts predicting a surge in interest following the discovery of the ruler’s remains.

The silver groat is only about the size of a modern two pence piece but is expected to bring in at least £1,000 when it is auctioned off next month.

It carries a portrait of the king - the last to die on a British battlefield - and three Latin inscriptions.

The coin is part of a private collection which is being sold by auctioneers Lockdales of Martlesham Heath.

Numismatist Chris Elmy said the groat would have been a four pence piece in its day - with medieval pennies worth much more than a modern day penny.

He said: “This would have been made at the Tower of London Mint between 1484 to 1485. Coins of Richard III are very rare as he reigned for just over two years. We estimate that it will sell for at least £1,000 in our auction of ‘Coins & Collectables’ over the weekend of March 23 and 24 at our Martlesham Heath premises.”

The obverse (heads) side reads, in abbreviated Latin, “RICARD DI GRA REX ANGL’S FRANC” - which means “Richard by the Grace of God, King of England and France”.

The reverse (tails) side reads in the outer ring “POSUI DEUM ADIUTORE MEUM” which translates as “I have made God my helper” while the inner ring inscription reads “CIVITAS LONDON” - “the City of London”.

For more details about the auction visit www.lockdales.com