A couple from Yorkshire are about to receive a windfall of £250,000 after discovering a hidden treasure under their kitchen floor. The unidentified duo found an impressive collection of 264 gold coins while renovating their 18th-century home in Ellerby, North Yorkshire.
During the process of updating their kitchen floor, the couple stumbled upon a stash of ancient coins dating back 400 years, neatly stored in a metal container buried beneath six inches of concrete. Having lived in the property for more than a decade, the owners initially mistook the can for regular electrical wiring.
To their surprise, they unearthed a cup about the size of a can of soda filled with valuable gold coins. This unexpected find is sure to bring some excitement and luxury into their lives.
There are several gold coins that range in dates from 1610 to 1727, spanning the rules of James I, Charles I, and George I.
An unidentified duo stumbled upon an impressive collection of 264 coins hidden at their historic 18th-century home. Eager to learn more about their discovery, they reached out to the renowned London auctioneers Spink & Son for expert assistance. Through careful investigation, it was unveiled that the coins were once owned by the affluent Fernley-Maisters family of Hull, prominent merchants involved in the trade of timber, coal, and iron ore. The coins were accumulated during the lifetime of Joseph Fernley and his spouse, Sarah Maister. Joseph passed away in 1725, followed by his wife Sarah at the age of 80 in 1745.
The upcoming auction will feature a rare James I Scotch double-crown, with an estimated total value of £250,000. These coins, found in July 2019, are now set to be sold at the event. According to auctioneer Gregory Edmund, this discovery is significant as it is extremely unusual for hoards of English gold coins to come to the market. With over 260 coins being part of one of the largest finds in British archaeological history, the discovery was completely unexpected. The owners stumbled upon the treasure while renovating their home, finding a pot filled with gold coins the size of a Diet Coke can. They had no experience with metal detectors and initially mistook the pot for an electrical cable during the renovation process.
A unique ‘pattern break’ James I laurel was unearthed among a buried collection of riches. Upon visiting the site in North Yorkshire, I was astounded to find a cup containing 264 gold coins. The coins span from 1610 to 1727, a surprisingly long period for a hoard. It’s puzzling why someone in the early 18th century would bury coins when banks and banknotes were readily available, making hoarding unnecessary. These coins, valued at £50 and £100 each, reflect everyday transactions and were likely buried by a wealthy individual who never retrieved them. Despite their worn appearance, these coins tell a fascinating tale of wealth and mystery.
This unique Charles II guinea featuring a spelling mistake is anticipated to sell for £1,500 at an upcoming auction.
The discovery of gold coins in the couple’s kitchen floor in Ellerby offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the English economy during the early years of the Bank of England. The unique method of burial and the quantity of coins found present a rare opportunity to study the country’s transition from traditional currency to the use of banknotes.
Uncovering such a remarkable find in an ordinary location is truly unexpected and brings a sense of excitement to the discovery. As a seasoned coin specialist, I find this discovery to be unparalleled in recent memory. I feel honored to have the opportunity to thoroughly document and study this hoard for the benefit of future generations.
