The find of 75 silver coins and 10 bronze coins – dating back to AD355 – was made on farmland near Filey by three members of Bridlington Metal Detecting Society.

Experts say the coins were issued during the reign of several Roman Emperors including Julian, Valentinian and Valens.

The coins have now been confirmed as treasure by Scarborough coroner Michael Oakley at a special inquest hearing. That means there is some value to the find – and the three treasure hunters could be eligible for a reward.

Robert Booth, who was one of those to discover the coins, said: "We have had permission to search on the land since 2000 but never found anything. On Sunday, September 14, we found some coins which were just beneath the surface. They were only small – about the size of 5p pieces. We are members of the British Museum Trust so we contacted them and they collected the coins."

Mr Oakley said local museums are expected to show an interest in acquiring the coins. The British Museum would then assess their value which is likely to result in the landowner and the detectors sharing any proceeds.

In a statement, the British Museum Trust told the inquest: "At the time the coins were issued great efforts were made by the Romans to find gold and silver for their coinage, therefore the coins were usually 95 per cent pure."

Dennis Dunkerton, a coin expert at Spink coin dealers in York, said: "We have coins here from that period ranging from £1 per coin to £2,000 per coin. The silver coins, if in a good condition could bring £150."