British Family Finds Treasure Trove in Backyard
A family in the UK stumbled upon a hidden treasure in their backyard, now set to be auctioned for a staggering six-figure amount.
The coins, handled by David Guest Numismatics, will be sold in Zurich, Switzerland on November 5th, with expectations exceeding 230,000 pounds (about 308,000 US dollars).
David Guest, a coin expert, shared with Fox News Digital that the treasure was discovered by a couple from Hampshire in Milford-on-Sea back in April 2020.
While working on their fence beside a flower bed, the husband found a patch of “clay soil.” Guest noted that a total of 64 coins were unearthed, with an additional six retrieved by archaeologists in October 2021.
Initially, the couple thought the soil contained merely thin metal disks. However, when their teenage son rinsed part of the material under water, they discovered it was actually gold coins.
According to the numismatist, this treasure dates back to the late 1530s and was valued at 26 pounds, 5 shillings, and 5 pence back then.
“That was a significant sum at the time,” Guest remarked. “In fact, during the 1530s, average property prices in the English countryside were around £25.”
He mentioned that the treasure was likely buried during a period of political unrest in England during the Reformation.
“We can only speculate on the reasons behind the burial, but it’s likely that it was hidden during the troubled early days of the English Reformation when Henry VIII was dismantling monasteries and seizing the Catholic Church’s wealth,” Guest explained.
The coins, minted between the 1420s and 1530s, feature the images of four English kings: Henry VI, Edward IV, Henry VII, and Henry VIII.
“These coins include the names of two queens, Catherine of Aragon and Jane Seymour, along with a cardinal,” Guest added.
Coin dealers expressed that the excellent condition of the coins boosts their appeal, making it likely they could fetch an even higher price than expected.
Guest elaborated, saying, “It’s worth noting that most of the coins are in high conservation condition, making them especially attractive to current market buyers.”
He expressed confidence that the final amount achieved will significantly surpass initial estimates.
This treasure is among several notable coin discoveries in the UK in recent years. In 2023, a plumber found an array of ancient coins in Leicestershire, which is slated for auction in 2025. Earlier this year, authorities reported the unearthed of 25 silver denarii, equal to a Roman soldier’s salary, in Norfolk.
