Irish gold brokers Goldcore have won exclusive Ireland and British rights to market the upcoming sale of one of the world's rarest gold coins.

The first “million dollar coin” was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa in 2007. One of just five such coins in existence – all in private hands – it weighs 100 kilogrammes or 3,215 troy ounces and was originally conceived as a unique showpiece.

It is very rare that any of the 99.999 per cent pure collectibles come on the market and, with a current “melt price”of around $5 million, there is a very limited market of potential buyers.

Goldcore, which was founded in 2003, has $110 million in assets under management and runs a bullion trading platform and gold storage facility. Any buyer of the coin from Ireland or Britain will be a coup for the broker.