Virgil in rare club

A 540-year-old copy of Virgil’s Opera has been sold for more than £1 million ($A1.67 million) at auction.

Printed on vellum with hand-painted decorations, Christie’s said the second edition of the work was produced in 1470 – less than a year after printing began in Venice.

The last copy was sold in 1920, which Christie’s said indicated its rarity.

Margaret Ford, from the auction house, said: ‘‘The newly discovered Virgil has joined the exclusive club of books sold for over £1 million.

‘‘Its extreme rarity, importance and beauty was appreciated and admired by international clients around the world ahead of the sale,’’ she said.