A British family in Hampshire, England, has made a remarkable discovery in their backyard, unearthing a Tudor-era treasure consisting of 70 gold coins. The treasure, estimated to be worth approximately $308,000, will be auctioned in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 5, 2025. This ancient hoard, dating back to the late 1530s, reflects a period of historical significance as it coincides with the English Reformation under King Henry VIII. The family discovered the treasure in 2020 while working on a garden renovation, but further archaeologists uncovered an additional six coins in 2021, bringing the total to 70.
Coin specialist David Guest Numismatics, who is handling the auction, explained that the coins, bearing the images of several English monarchs, were likely concealed during the Reformation due to political instability. The hoard’s value, which was estimated at around 26 pounds, 5 shillings, and 5-1/2 pence in the 1530s, is considered substantial for the time, as the average property price in rural England was only £25. The exceptional condition of the coins has contributed to their high market value, with Guest predicting that the final auction price will exceed the initial estimate of £230,000, or $308,000 at the current exchange rate.
The discovery adds to a growing list of significant coin-related finds in the United Kingdom, including a notable cache of ancient coins uncovered by a plumber in Leicestershire and a Roman soldier’s monthly paycheck discovered in Norfolk. The Tudor-era treasure not only offers insight into the economic and social conditions of the 1530s but also continues to captivate historians and collectors alike. As the auction approaches, the family’s discovery stands as a remarkable testament to the historical legacy embedded in England’s landscape.