A torn page from a hand-painted copy of the Koran achieved $68,905 at Bargain Hunt Auctions in Sydney, Australia on August 23, an increase of 123,233% on a $55 high estimate.

The age and origin of the page remains a mystery

While the house had no idea as to the lot's true value, scans were sent out to the under bidders on a Persian manuscript that also sold for an unexpectedly high sum last September.  

The origin and age of the piece is unknown.

Auctioneer Mark Owens commented that he is "looking forward to selling the rest of the Koran, page by page at upcoming auctions".

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