A first generation unopened 2007 iPhone is expected to sell for more than $50,000 (£40,600) when it goes to auction.

The phone was given to Karen Green as a gift when she got a new job, but it did not work on her cellular network so she just put it on her shelf.

The device only, which only has a 2 megapixel camera and 8GB of storage, is now keenly sought atter by collectors.

Green heard that a first generation iPhone from 2007 had sold for $39,339.60, according to Buiness Insider.

The cosmetic tattoo artist contacted LCG Auctions which handled the sale.

LCG Auctions founder, Mark Montero told Buiness Insider that the phone, which had been wrapped in a pair of felt pyjamas for years was a rare find as many others hopefuls were asking him to auction less interesting devices.

He said: “Karen had a really unique piece with a great story behind it.

“It was shocking because we had gotten so many duds.”

LCG Auctions put a price estimate of “$50,000 and up” on the phone.

The first generation iPhone was available with 4Gb of memory for $499 or 8Gb for $599.

In the decade following its launch, Apple sold 1.2bn iPhones, dominating the smartphone market.

In 2019, Green appeared on the TV show Doctor & the Diva, where the antiques appraiser Lori Verderame valued her iPhone at $5,000.

The price has risen since then. Green said she decided to sell the iPhone now to back her cosmetic tattoo studio in New Jersey.

She said: “If I could hold off on the phone for like another 10 years, I probably would. The only reason why I’m selling that phone is because I need to support this business.”.