Earlier this year, a hoard of more than 100 22-karat gold sovereigns and 16 silver bars were discovered behind a couch in England. A few days later, they brought more than £30,000 (about $49,500 Cdn.) at auction.
Auctioneer Jonathan Humbert, of J.P. Humbert Auctions, made the discovery during a routine house clearance in Northamptonshire, England on Jan. 25.
According to Humbert, the coins were stored by the homeowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, in a suitcase behind a settee. The homeowner casually mentioned these coins to the auctioneer, although their significance was overlooked until Jan. 25, when Humbert performed the clearance.
According a story published by BBC on Jan. 31, Humbert recalled: “I went to pick it up and I almost pulled my shoulder out of its socket, it was so heavy—so I had to drag it out unceremoniously.
The gold sovereign coins feature the design of Saint George slaying the dragon. (Photo by Humbert Auctions)
“It was incredible. My eyes lit up—it was quite a find.”
Each of the 22-karat gold sovereigns—each weighing eight grams—is valued at more than £200 (about $329 Cdn.). Minted by the Royal Mint from 1958-67, the coins depict Saint George and the dragon.
Sovereigns have a nominal value of £1 and were in common currency until 1932.
There were also 16 solid silver bars, each around the size of a mobile phone.
Each piece in the collection sold as an individual lot with bids ranging from £190-£480.