187 large gold coins found in 2,000-year-old tomb in Jiangxi

Archaeologists transport a box with gold items unearthed from the tomb of "Haihunhou" (Marquis of Haihun), in Nanchang, capital of East China's Jiangxi province, Nov 21, 2015. [Photo/IC]

The number of gold coins found in the "Haihunhou" (Marquis of Haihun) cemetery has risen to 187, far exceeded experts' previous expectations of around 50, according to Beijing Morning Post.

Two boxes of large gold coins, one containing 88 coins and the other 99, were unearthed from the tomb, Yang Jun, head of the excavation team, said on Sunday. Twenty-five hoof-shaped ingots were also discovered at the same time. The gold items were transported to a laboratory for further research.

The gold objects are the largest single batch of and best preserved gold items ever found in a Han Dynasty tomb, according to archaeologists.

As the gold coins are very heavy, the lacquer boxes holding them were broken when they were discovered. Measurements in the lab show that one coin weighs 250 grams, which is worth about 55,000 yuan ($8,611), based on the price of gold on today's market.