Farmers in Switzerland unearthed a remarkable treasure trove comprising over 4,000 ancient Roman coins, predominantly made of solid gold. The discovery, which occurred in the small town of Ueken, has unveiled a new collection of Roman coins, including bronze and silver artifacts, believed to have been buried around 1,700 years ago.
The coins were accidentally excavated by a Swiss farmer while inspecting his cherry trees in Ueken. After making the discovery, he promptly contacted local archaeological experts who confirmed the presence of this substantial collection. Among the coins found were those from the Aargau canton in Switzerland, with experts estimating their burial date to be around 1,700 years ago.
This newfound collection rivals some of the largest Roman coin hoards, not only in Switzerland but globally. Notably, it stands out as one of the largest discovered outside the United Kingdom, such as the Frome Hoard found in Somerset in 2009, consisting of nearly 60,000 rust-worn coins.
The significance of this discovery is heightened by a renewed global interest in Rome and Roman history, sparked by the recent finding of an intact tomb at the archaeological site of Pompeii in October. Archaeologists propose that the abundance of Roman coins found in large quantities may be attributed to their use as ritual gifts to Roman gods.
The Swiss coins, systematically buried between 270 and 294 AD, remained untouched until the recent discovery. Archaeologists suggest that the owner intentionally hoarded these coins, possibly due to economic uncertainty during that time. The coins, composed of bronze and silver components, have remarkably withstood the test of time, preserving their near-mint condition.
While the Swiss farmer who made the discovery is likely to receive a finder’s fee, Swiss law dictates that the artifacts belong to the public. The coins will soon be on display at the Vindonissa de Brugg Museum, specializing in Roman history, located in the Swiss canton of Aargau. This find has thrilled archaeologists and promises to be a significant addition to the understanding of Roman history in the region. NEXT