A Yorkshire couple is on the verge of a £250,000 windfall after discovering a cache of gold coins beneath their kitchen floor.
The duo, who wish to remain anonymous, stumbled upon an astonishing collection of 264 coins while renovating their 18th-century home in Ellerby, North Yorkshire.
During the process of replacing their kitchen flooring, the couple unearthed a trove of 400-year-old coins neatly stowed within a metal can. These historic treasures were concealed beneath six inches of concrete.
Initially mistaking the can for ordinary electrical wiring, the homeowners were astounded to find it packed with valuable coins upon closer inspection. The container, roughly the size of a can of soda, yielded a bounty of unexpected wealth.
Among the discovered gold coins are specimens dating back to the years spanning from 1610 to 1727, encompassing the reigns of monarchs such as James I, Charles I, and George I. This diverse collection offers a glimpse into several significant periods of English history, showcasing coins minted during the rule of these notable sovereigns.
The anonymous couple unearthed a remarkable collection of 264 coins at their 18th-century detached property, as depicted in an image provided by Spink & Son.
Seeking expert opinion, the couple reached out to London auctioneers Spink & Son, who promptly visited their residence to assess the find.
Subsequent research unveiled that the coins were once possessed by the affluent Fernley-Maisters, a prominent merchant family hailing from Hull. Known for their involvement in the import and export of timber, coal, and iron ore, the Fernley-Maisters wielded significant influence, with later generations even holding seats in Parliament during the early 1700s.
The coins were amassed during the lifetime of Joseph Fernley and his spouse, Sarah Maister. Joseph passed away in 1725, while Sarah lived until the age of 80, passing away in 1745.
The upcoming auction features a rare James I Scotch double-crown among its highlights, as depicted in an image provided by Spink & Son.
Originally uncovered in July 2019, the coins are now poised to officially enter the auction circuit.
Experts estimate the combined value of the coins to be around £250,000, making this a significant find.
Auctioneer Gregory Edmund remarked, “This discovery is both fascinating and of immense importance. It’s exceedingly rare for hoards of English gold coins to become available for auction, and this collection of over 260 coins is among the largest recorded archaeological finds in Britain.”
He continued, “The circumstances of its discovery add to its allure. The owners stumbled upon the coins while renovating their home, initially mistaking the container for an electrical cable. It’s a truly serendipitous find, with the owners having no prior experience with metal detectors and simply intending to relay their floor.”
