In a routine house clearance in Leicestershire, a startling discovery was made that turned out to be worth more than anyone could have imagined. During the clearance, carried out by Hansons Auctioneers, a total of 331 gold coins were found in an unexpected hiding place - pillowcases and even a sock!
The gold coins, ranging from the 1800s to the 21st century, featured various monarchs such as Queen Victoria, King George V, and Queen Elizabeth II. Each coin was valued between £300 and £500, creating quite an intriguing collection. The find was so remarkable that it went under the hammer at the Hertfordshire auction house, Hanson Ross, on January 17.
Excitement filled the air as bidders eagerly competed for these rare coins. And the results did not disappoint! The collection, which had a combined estimated value of £90,768, sold for an astounding £118,000 when the buyer's premium was included.
Charles Hanson, the owner of Hansons, expressed his astonishment at the discovery, saying, 'It was an amazing find, made after a client instructed us to clear a house. Our team are renowned for being thorough. They check over every inch of a house. It's not just about fine or fragile objects on display; it's the hidden items that are often the most valuable.'
Hanson emphasized how experienced his team is in finding hidden treasures. They meticulously search every nook and cranny of a property, uncovering valuable items that others may have missed. 'These are found in drawers, wardrobes, cupboards, bags, and, in this case, even an old sock. People have a multitude of hiding places. Sometimes it's a case of hide and seek.'
In this particular clearance, the coins were discovered while the team was searching through the attic and linen in a bedroom chest. First, they spotted a glint of gold, which led to the discovery of multiple handfuls of the valuable coins. Some were hidden within a pillowcase, while others were tucked away in the most unexpected place - a sock!
The owner of the house was astonished and overjoyed by the find, having had no idea that the property contained such a hidden treasure trove of gold. The unexpected windfall brought both surprise and delight to their doorstep.
Charles Hanson further described the significance of the coins, saying, 'It was like a walk through 300 years of history. The collection captured the passage of time due to different monarchs represented on the sovereigns. They also reminded us of the length of their reigns. Due to long periods on the throne, Victoria and Elizabeth's coin profiles alter through the decades.'
The demand for these gold coins was unprecedented, and the auction turned into what is commonly known as a 'white glove sale,' where every single lot is sold. Collectors and enthusiasts alike recognized the historical value and rarity of these coins, further contributing to the intense bidding activity.
This surprising discovery serves as a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places. It highlights the importance of thoroughness and expertise in unearthing valuable items. Who knows what other treasures are waiting to be discovered inside drawers, wardrobes, or perhaps even old socks?
