The origins of the hoard remain a mystery. It's still unknown who hid the coins, which date from 1847 to 1915, so carefully beneath the piano's keys – though they probably stashed them away to keep them safe during World War I. Before its donation, Graham and Meg Hemmings had owned the piano for 33 years while their children were learning to play and were completely unaware of the treasure that lay within.

The hoard, valued at £500,000 ($665k), was sold and both the college and the piano tuner who found them received a reward. The piano's previous owners didn't see a penny from the coins' sale but said they were "very happy" some of the money would go to the college.

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