Cash in the attic! $1million in gold coins rain down on builders . . .

[Neil]

20th February 2012

A team of builders renovating a vineyard facility in France were stunned when U.S. gold coins worth $1million rained down on them from the rafters.

The treasure trove of 497 coins was hidden in the attic of an old building in the rural village of Les Riceys in the country's famed Champagne region. The pieces, which have a face value of $20 each, were minted between 1851 and 1928 and are the equivalent of 17 kilograms of gold.

The treasure trove of 497 coins, which have a face value of $20 each, were minted between 1851 and 1928 and are the equivalent of 17 kilograms of gold. They are today worth about $980,000 (£622,000).

The building, a former grape-drying facility, is owned by Champagne producer Francois Lange.

Mr Lange, the head of the Alexandre Bonnet Champagne firm, said: 'One of the workers was attacking the building's ceiling with a crowbar when gold coins started to rain down on him, followed by sacks of gold.'

Half the coins will go to the workers and the other half to Mr Lange.

How the U.S. currency came to be in a French attic remains unknown. However, the building was once owned by a wine producer who traded with Britain and the U.S. in the 1930s.

It is located in Les Riceys, a village known for its rosé Champagne. So pleased is Mr Lange with the find that he may now produce a special vintage in its honour.

[Zeus (Joel)]

only in my dreams

[nfl]

mmmmm time i did some diy on the ceiling i think

[duggypuggy]

gold coins keep raining on my head
but that doesn't mean my eyes will be turnin' red
wine-ing is for me
but im never going to stop those coins by complainin'
i'm rich and free
nothings worryin' me

I would have posted it in french but most of you wouldn't have understood it.lol

[Roman (Ray)]

it is a wonderfull sight indeed.lol

[rjm]

Looks like the owners are going to be coining it! 

[dances with badgers]

ooooh nice.cash in the attic

[bleepinbeeps]

been lookin down the whole time when it could be just above ya

[WeCan-Octavian]

Would certainly come in handy!!!!!

[Villan (Neil)]

Huh typical,the ceilings is my cottage were bowed,but when I ripped them down I just got filthy dirty,never mind filthy rich

[avalon]

That's what you call a Golden shower

[benny]

Found some George 3rd halfpennies when we ripped down some old lath and plaster ceiings once. Heard them chink on the floor when they fell,so had to stop work well I investigated! Other than that,got a collection of old fag packets I've found in old buildings but no gold as yet!