Couple Discovers Rare Gold Coin Hoard Beneath Kitchen Floor—Auction Sale Breaks World Records
What began as a routine kitchen renovation in an 18th-century English home turned into an unexpected treasure hunt for one couple. While working on their kitchen floor, they stumbled upon what they initially believed was an old piece of electrical cable. Instead, they unearthed a small gold disc that led to a discovery beyond their wildest dreams—a can-sized cup brimming with rare gold coins dating from 1610 to 1727.
The couple, who had been renovating their detached home for over a decade, were left speechless by the find. They immediately contacted Spink & Son, a renowned London auction house, which dispatched a coin expert to examine the remarkable hoard.
A Hidden Legacy of Wealth
The gold coins are believed to have belonged to Joseph Fernley and Sarah Meister, a wealthy couple involved in the coal, lumber, and iron ore trade. Their descendants later became Whig politicians and Members of Parliament. Fernley died in 1725, and Sarah in 1745, leaving behind a treasure trove unknowingly preserved beneath the kitchen floor in Ellerby, East Yorkshire.
A Sale for the History Books
Auctioneer and coin expert Gregory Edmund was astonished by the historical significance of the find. “It is a rare honor for an auctioneer to be graced with a white glove sale (100% sold),” he shared. “The anonymous finders were completely taken aback by the outcome. It surpassed all expectations and broke dozens of world records along the way.”
Originally estimated at $113,000, the collection ended up selling for a staggering $852,380—more than seven times the anticipated value. The sale drew worldwide interest, with buyers from Europe, Australia, and Japan joining over 370 registrants.
The Coins That Made History
Among the highlights of the auction was a 1720s “Unbelievable Mint Error” coin—a unique piece from the reign of King George I that featured two tails instead of the usual head-tail design. It sold for a record-setting sum, surpassing the $54,625 paid for a similar U.S. coin in 2011.
Other standout pieces included:
A 1675 Charles II guinea with a rare spelling error—CRAOLVS instead of CAROLUS.
A 1705 Queen Anne Guinea, which fetched over $3,000.
“This sale was one of a kind,” Edmund added. “The story of the coins, their discovery, and the rare chance to acquire them at auction created the perfect storm in a very energized market.”
An Unforgettable Discovery
While such finds may inspire others to check under their floorboards, Edmund offers a word of caution: “I really hope people think twice before tearing up their floors.”
Still, the Ellerby Hoard, as it’s now known, has cemented its place in history—not just for its monetary value, but for the fascinating glimpse it offers into England’s past.
