A rediscovered first edition of Charles Darwin's revolutionary book has fetched $170,569 at a Christie's auction in the British capital of London.

The copy of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, which was recently rediscovered in the guest bathroom of the vendor's house, was sold one day after the anniversary of its first publication 150 years ago.

“It is a very fitting occasion to have sold this rediscovered copy of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' 150 years to the day after it was first published," said Christie's Director and Head of Books and Manuscripts, Margaret Ford.

The book was rediscovered by the vendor's son-in-law who recognized the distinctive green spine after visiting an exhibition on Darwin, Artdaily reported.

Best known for his theory of evolution, Charles Darwin (1809-1882) first published his On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection on November 24, 1859.

Darwin is one of the five non-Royal Brits to be honored by a State Funeral and was buried alongside Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Cathedral.

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