An unusual discovery inside the home of a deceased Nevada recluse could result in a life-changing fortune for a San Rafael woman.

While preparing the Carson City home of Walter Samazko Jr. for sale, neighbor Joe Baxter went to help clean up the place as a favor to a friend, the realtor. What they discovered were crates of gold coins.

"We thought it was ammunition, opened it up and it was rolls of $20 gold pieces. I've never seen that much gold in my life," said Baxter.

The realtor immediately called the Carson City Clerk and Recorder, Alan Glover. Glover said the gold is worth at least $7 million in weight alone.

"The amount of it was what was overwhelming," said Glover.

A wheelbarrow was used to move the boxes of gold from the house. Now it's all being kept in a secure location.

The gold coins had been minted as early as the 1840s in such countries as Mexico, England, Austria and South Africa, he said. Coin experts have said the age and rarity of the coins could make them much more valuable than their weight alone.

Golver and Baxter said he was an apparent hoarder who had cases of tuna and salmon, as well as guns, ammo and conspiracy theory books.

The 69-year-old Samaszko was found dead in his home in late June after neighbors called authorities. He had been dead of heart problems for at least a month, according to the coroner.

Despite all of his assets, Samaszko did not have a will. Baxter used funeral records to locate a first cousin in San Rafael.

That woman has yet to be identified, but according to Glover, she stands to inherit everything that the IRS doesn't claim.

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