- When a couple renovated their kitchen, they discovered a collection of 17th-18th-century gold coins.
- The rare coins sold at auction in London for £754,000 ($842,330), including fees.
- The auctioneer described it as “120 years’ of English history hidden inside a pot as big as a soda bottle.”
An incredible collection of rare gold coins found by a couple renovating their kitchen has sold at auction for £754,000 ($842,330).
The hoard of English gold coins from 1610-1727 included 264 coins. It was discovered in 2019 by the unnamed couple, who dug the kitchen floor of their home.
It is believed that the Fernley-Maisters once owned the coin collection. They were a family of traders from Hull (East Yorkshire), who made their fortunes in Baltic trade. BBC News reported.
Spink Auction House
The auction house Spink & Son told the BBC that the lots garnered international attention, with private collectors from America, Europe, Australia, China, and Japan flocking to the sale.
Insider was informed by Gregory Edmund, an auctioneer: “I have never seen a reply to an auction like this before, and these results prove it. My provisional estimate was destroyed three times.” It exceeded all expectations and broke dozens of world records.
The highest-fetching coin, dating back to 1720, sold for £62,400 ($69,710), Spink & Son said. It was deemed the “Unbelievable Mint Error Gold Coin” because it was struck under King George I and had no head, but two tails.
The coins were found under concrete and 18th century floorboards in the couple’s kitchen. Edmund explained that the treasure trove consisted of “120 years” of English history, which was contained in a small pot about the size a soda container.
“The story was remarkable, and that’s what led to the amazing result. He said that he hopes people will think twice before tearing up their floors.
