Two rare silver coins dating back to 1697 will come home to be sold in Norwich - at the place where they were minted more than 300 years ago.

The coins, a half-crown and sixpence, will be for sale on February 15 at the Fleamarket St Andrew's Hall, where they were originally minted during the reign of William III.

A letter 'N' below the bust denotes that the coins were struck in Norwich.

Gary Brown, a specialist coin and medal dealer and owner of the coins, said: 'It is very pleasing to be able to 'bring them home' as it were.'

He added: 'In 1696 a great re-coinage took place to replace the worn hammered coinage, and branch mints were established in Bristol, Chester, Exeter, Norwich and York to help with the re-coinage.

'This was partly paid for by the first incarnation of the dreaded 'window tax'. The Mint was within the halls of the cloisters - part of the St Andrew's complex, marked by a plaque on the wall.'

Mr Brown, who acquired the coins at an auction around two years ago, has given an asking price of £85 for the sixpence and £170 for the half-crown.

Helen Leith, owner of the flea market, said: 'I would have thought they would be very popular with the public.

'Coins are a specialist area and we do get a lot of coin collectors and dealers come to fair and head straight for Gary's table.'

The coins will be available for sale from 8.30-9.30am in St. Andrew's Hall. For more information visit www.norwichfleamarket.com or call Helen on 01603 630763.

? Do you have a story about an unusual item for sale? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk