Rare Trove of Ancient Roman Coins Discovered in Poland

A significant discovery was made by metal detectorists in Poland, who unearthed a large cluster of ancient Roman coins, CBS News reported. The find was recently announced by Polish officials, who were astounded by this remarkable archaeological discovery.

The quest for historical relics and treasures is a common pursuit for the "Group of Explorers." This skilled group, led by Janusz Szabat and Piotr Magoch, dedicated their efforts to combing the fields near the small village of Księżopol.

Remarkably, within an area no larger than a fifth of a square mile, the searchers made many notable metallic archaeological findings, as shared by the Lublin Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments on their social media account.

Among the treasures unearthed were some extraordinarily rare ancient Roman denars, which were silver coins used during the reigns of Roman emperors of the past. Specifically, three silver denars featuring the likeness of Roman emperor Antonius Pius, minted between 138 and 161, were discovered. Additionally, a silver denar with the depiction of his wife, Faustyna the Younger, minted in 141, was found. Notably, another silver denar with the image of Antonius Pius, minted between 146 and 152, albeit intentionally defaced, suggesting it was part of a trade transaction, also formed part of the find. Additionally, a silver denar carrying the likeness of Marcus Aurelius, minted in 174, was present.

The trove also included counterfeit denars craftily produced by the Germanic Visigoths. While one coin proved indecipherable, another represented Antonius Pius, albeit of poorer quality, with a slightly altered replica of the inscription found on the authentic coins.

An outstanding discovery within the cache was a larger denar, twice the size of its conventional counterparts, making it particularly noteworthy. Adorned with the image of empress Herennia Cupressenia Etruscilla, this coin dates back to between 249 and 251. A portion of it had been deliberately cut off, suggestive of its involvement in a trade exchange.

Furthermore, the conservator reported that the excavation site yielded several small silicon tools and dozens of pottery fragments. Though the age of the tools remains unconfirmed, a predominant number of the pottery pieces originate from the Roman period. Notably, some fragments can be traced back to the Early Middle Ages, while others are more recent.

The considerable number of items discovered in such a confined area has led officials to theorize the existence of a previously unknown archaeological site of immense scientific and preservation value. Consequently, the conservator has proposed conducting excavation tests in the vicinity while continuing the search for other potential treasures within these fields.

Earlier, SSP wrote about the Panathenaic Prize Amphora unveiling the Ancient Greek Olympic rewards.