Joe Paterno's glasses sell at auction - 22/02/2010

A pair of glasses once owned by legendary American Football coach Joe Paterno have sold at auction.

The thick-rimmed glasses, which Paterno became famous for wearing, eventually sold for $9,000, with bidding starting online and concluding with a live auction at the 18th Annual Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction in the US.

The item was bought by two Penn State graduates, the institution at which the coach cemented his reputation as one of the finest managers of an American Football college team.

Indeed, he leads the list of all-time victories at that level, with 394 career wins.

Paterno, who is 83, had eye surgery last month to improve his sight and no longer needs the legendary spectacles.

A spokesman for Paterno has said that the timing of the surgery and the auction was a coincidence.

The proceeds from the auction have benefitted Penn State Public Broadcasting.

The glasses also feature Paterno's signature on the left lens.