Italian auction house Sant'Agostino said Wednesday bidders at its next sale will be able to settle up in bitcoin, a world first according to the auctioneers. Early next week, around 600 Italian and foreign design objects, mostly pieces of furniture, will go under the hammer at Sant'Agostino and "bitcoins will be accepted as payment", it said in a statement. Paying with the crypto currency will also be allowed at the following auction at the end of November which will feature paintings, jewelry and watches.
Bitcoin is not generally recognised as a proper currency - lacking a home country, central bank or treasury - although its real world use is constantly increasing.