Rare ‘leopard’ coin found by Norfolk detectorist expected to sell for £140,000

The leopard florin dates from January 1344 and was minted in 23-carat gold at the Tower of London. Photograph: Jan Starnes/Dix Noonan Webb

For more than 20 years, Andy Carter spent his free time scouring muddy fields, stubbornly convinced that he would strike gold. Then one day he did.

The retired research scientist from north Norfolk unearthed an extremely rare gold “leopard” coin, dating back to the reign of Edward III. Next week it is expected to fetch up to £140,000 at auction. “I just felt numb when I found it,” Carter said. “And then I did the gold dance.”