A charity struck gold when a more than a century year-old coin was found in a collection box.

A 1912 gold sovereign carrying the head of King George V was discovered in a counter collection box for the Brighton and Hove Domestic Abuse charity RISE.

Staff from the charity came across the odd looking coin while sorting through the collections and its value was initially not realised.

The approximate value of the 102-year-old currency is around £200.

The coin is believed to have come from the Goodfayre Post Office in Telscombe Cliffs.

Bill Phagura, manager of the Post Office, said: “We’ve supported RISE with a counter collection box for a long time and customers always give generously.

“Looks like someone may have been extra generous – it’s great news.”

The sovereign was struck from 22 carat gold and weighs about eight grams.

Julie Hales, fundraising manager at RISE, said, “We thought it was a foreign coin, but on closer inspection, and a quick internet search, it turned out to be a 1912 Gold Sovereign.

“The coin has been valued at over £150. What a Christmas bonus and a first for me in over 20 years of fundraising.“

RISE will help Sussex Police this Christmas on their crackdown against domestic violence during the season.

Fundraising events for the charity will be held in the New Year for RISE’s 20th anniversary.

RISE is an official charity partner of the Brighton Half Marathon in February and has specially dedicated places for runners.

In May the charity will be encouraging people to get involved with the Just Walk challenge on the South Downs Way.

To host a RISE collection box contact fundraising@riseuk.org.uk. If you are affected by domestic abuse call RISE on 01273 622822 www.riseuk.org.uk.