Updated: THIS gold replica of a Richard III badge is due to be auctioned by the Yorkshire Museum with a reserve price of £2,000.

The 18-carat gold replica of the Richard III boar badge – which is accurately based on the rare 15th Century silver badge on show in the York museum – will go to the highest bid made in a silent auction.

The badges were originally worn by supporters of Richard III, with precious metal versions given to his most loyal followers.

The original silver-gilt livery badge in the form of a boar, a symbol of Richard III, was found by a metal detectorist in 2010 near Stillingfleet. It is one of only a relatively small number ever found and because it is silver-gilt it would have once belonged to someone of high status.

The gold replica has been commissioned by the Yorkshire Museum and created by jeweller Charmian Ottaway as part of York’s year-long programme of events coordinated by the museum called Richard III: Rumour and Reality.

Natalie McCaul, curator of archaeology, said: “Since we acquired the badge we have been inundated with requests by people wanting to buy replicas of it to wear as a symbol of their interest in Richard III.

"We asked Charmian to make a mould which we have used to create silver versions of the badge to sell in our shop. However we thought we would make a unique 18 carat gold badge so one lucky person can be the proud owner of the only one in existence.”

The replica will be auctioned by the Yorkshire Museum at a reserve price of £2000, with the money raised being put towards the museum’s acquisition fund.

People can bid in the silent auction by dropping off sealed bids at a collection point at the Yorkshire Museum or by emailing boarbadge@ymt.org.uk

The auction for the badge will officially start tomorrow with the winner being announced in October.

Richard III had close connections to York and Yorkshire, having spent much of his youth living at Middleham Castle. He was known to have courted the goodwill of both the council and the Minster clergy.

• The reconstructed head of Richard III will be on display at the Yorkshire Museum from Friday until October 13.