Chinese archaeologists announced on Tuesday the discovery of 50 gold coins and 25 gold hoof-shaped ingots in an aristocrat's tomb that dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD) in Nanchang, central China's Jiangxi Province.

The coins weigh about 250 grams each, while the hooves vary from 40 to 250 grams. According to Yang Jun, who led the excavation team, the gold objects are the largest single batch of gold items ever found in a Han Dynasty cemetery.

The tomb is thought to belong to Liu He, grandson of he ruler of Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu. The Dynasty was one of the most prosperous periods in China's history. Liu was given the title of "Haihunhou" (Marquis of Haihun) after he was deposed as emperor after only 27 days. Researchers believed the gold objects were awarded to the marquis by Emperor Wu.

The Haihunhou cemetery, covering around 40,000 square meters with eight tombs and a chariot burial site, is the most complete and best preserved Han Dynasty tomb cluster ever discovered. The excavation team also found other objects include a portrait of Confucius, nearly 3,000 wooden tablets and bamboo slips, as well as a large number of bronze, gold and jade items at the site.