Thousands of coins discovered in a barn could make up to £10,000 when they go to auction next week.

The collection was hidden among a lifetime's worth of possessions in a barn in Cambridgeshire, and had lain untouched for decades.

They will now be auctioned at Hanson Ross' coins and banknotes, medals and militaria auction in Royston on Friday, August 9.

The barn in which the coins were foundThe barn in which the coins were found (Image: Hanson Ross)

Thrown together in an old tin on the barn floor, the coins include eight one ounce Krugerrands and four half ounce Krugerrands, plus hundreds of coins dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Miles Wheeler, from Hanson Ross, said: "It’s always a thrill to find treasures in unexpected places, but this is more precious than most!.

"The vendor’s father was a lover of car boot sales and charity shops, and had amassed a barn’s worth of items over half a century.

One of the KrugerrandsOne of the Krugerrands (Image: Hanson Ross)

"The vendor had no idea these coins were among her father’s collection and was as amazed as I was to see what was in the tin!"

The Krugerrand was produced in South Africa from 1967 as a gold bullion coin. Because of the fluctuating price of gold, they were made without a face value.

Prices of gold have soared in the last six months, so Miles is expecting plenty of interest.

He said: "The price of gold has been strong since last December, and it shows no sign of changing so the reserve on this lot is set high."

A 19th century Princely States Jaipur gold Mohar from IndiaA 19th century Princely States Jaipur gold Mohar from India (Image: Hanson Ross)