In the week when the brand new plastic £10 note featuring Jane Austen was announced, a Derbyshire auction house are putting a coin collection, including pieces dating more than 500 years before the birth of the celebrated author, under the hammer.

The stunning coin collection, including a piece made in 1351, was collected by a South Derbyshire man throughout his life, but will now be sold.

The set includes a range of different coins, most of which are gold. Included is an ancient gold Edward III half-noble, which was hammered into shape by hand and used through the 14 century.

The massive collection was gathered through four decades of hunting and will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall during their specialist Militaria and Coin Auction on Tuesday, November 28.

Coin valuer at Hansons, Don Collins has spoken of his excitement at the discovery of the collection.

Mr Collins said: “It is one of the best collections I have ever seen – and I have seen some good ones over the years. It will sell for thousands of pounds.

The collection is set to go for sale next week at the Etwall auctioneers
The collection is set to go for sale next week at the Etwall auctioneers

“Quality always tells. If you are going to collect coins, collect top quality. That’s what this gentleman did, starting from around the age of eight. And he has really cared for this collection. It has been treasured and the coins are in mint condition.

“The gold noble, which features in this collection, was worth 40p in basic monetary value, but at auction, this collector’s item should sell for £1,500 to £4,000.

“One box of coins in this huge collection contains 31 gold coins including several guineas which are approximately one quarter of an ounce of gold in weight.”

Hansons Auctioneers, on Heage Lane in Etwall will be hosting their Coins, Medals and Militaria Auctions on Tuesday, July 25 from 10am, when the collection will go up for sale and is expected to fetch 'thousands'. To find out any more information, call Hansons on 01283 733988 or email service@hansonsauctionners.co.uk .