A "treasure trove" of gold coins found in Oxfordshire are expected to sell for more than £40,000 combined when they go under the hammer at auction.

More than 100 gold coins, dating from the late 17th century to the 20th century, were taken to a valuation day held near Banbury.

The collection was amassed by the seller's husband over many years.

Oxford Mail: The coins were collected over many yearsThe coins were collected over many years (Image: Kinghams Auctioneers)

The coins come from countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Peru and the Isle of Man.

Among the highlights of the haul are a James II guinea from 1686, valued at £1,200-1,500, and a William and Mary 'Elephant & Castle' guinea from 1689, worth £1,100-1,300.

Oxford Mail: The collection features coins from around the worldThe collection features coins from around the world (Image: Kinghams Auctioneers)

Oxford Mail: The coins date from as early as the 17th centuryThe coins date from as early as the 17th century (Image: Kinghams Auctioneers)

A George IV half sovereign from 1821, one of the rarest coins in the collection, could fetch £2,000-2,500.

There are numerous guineas, half guineas and sovereigns from the reigns of George III, George IV, William IV, Victoria, Edward VII, George V, and Elizabeth II.

All the coins are set to be sold at an auction held by Cotswold-based Kinghams Auctioneers on May 23.

Oxford Mail: The collection will go up for sale on May 23The collection will go up for sale on May 23 (Image: Kinghams Auctioneers)

A small sample of the collection was brought into the regular valuation day at Wardington Antiques Centre overseen by Kinghams Auctioneers' representative Steven Bruce.

Mr Bruce said: "It is the best collection I have seen in my long career.

"The quantity and quality rarely come up for sale.

"With the strong market for gold and particularly rare coinage, this collection will attract international interest from collectors and investors."