A metal detectorist has expressed his delight after a hoard of coins he unearthed in Suffolk sold for more than £132,000 at auction.

George Ridgway, of Ashbocking, found the collection of 748 coins in a field within the grounds of Helmingham Hall in 2019. 

More than 680 of the coins went under the hammer at London-based auctioneers Noonans Mayfair on Wednesday and sold for £132,865, exceeding their estimated price of £75,000.

Sixty-three of the discovered coins were claimed by museums for their collections.

The coins sold for more than £132,000The coins sold for more than £132,000 (Image: George Ridgway)

The collection of 748 gold and silver coins is estimated to date from as early as 206 BC through to the Roman emperor Claudius in 46/47 AD.

"I am absolutely delighted," said Mr Ridgway. "It was a fantastic experience. 

"Obviously, a lot of interest was generated from this hoard which was great."

Mr Ridgway decided to investigate an "unusual crop mark" in the recently harvested field with his metal detector. 

Previously, Mr Ridgway said he knew "made an important" discovery. 

During the auction, the 34-year-old managed to buy some of the coins himself - including a Denarius of Julius Caesar. 

The detectorist said the first thing he would do was buy his dad a pint, but has now reconsidered his offer to two pints and a meal. 

Mr Ridgway added: "I have done this since I was 12 years old. I have always loved history and Roman history has been my absolute passion, so to find what was the largest one of its kind was just a remarkable moment. 

"There is so much history out there, and it is wonderful to be able to hold something for that first time." 

Alice Cullen, Coin Specialist at Noonans added: “We are very pleased with the result of todays sale. This is one of the largest hoards containing both Iron Age coins and Roman coins found in Britain, with the latest coins of Claudius and those of Cunobelin in virtually as struck condition.