Researchers at the University of Michigan Concept of Archaeological Project found gold. The team of archaeologists discovered a “treasure of gold coins” from the Persian Empire in western Turkey.
Researchers announced the “very rare” discovery in a Press release on Friday.
The design of the coins – which features the figure of a kneeling archer – is consistent with the daric, a type of gold coin used in the Persian empire, according to the statement. Coins were used from the late 6th century BC until the conquest of the Persian empire by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Researchers believe that the daric was mainly used to pay mercenary troops.
The team found the stash of coins, along with other artifacts, in a small pot buried under a large house in the center of the city. ancient Greek city of Notionwhich was intermittently part of the Persian empire during the period when coins were in circulation.
“Presumably it was stored there for safekeeping and for some reason was never recovered,” said Christopher Rattéprofessor of classical studies at the University of Michigan and director of the Notion Archaeological Project.
The discovery was made in 2023 and made public last week after authorization from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“This is a spectacular discovery… of the utmost importance,” said Andrew Meadows of the University of Oxford, former curator of coins at the British Museum and the American Numismatic Society.
Researchers say the coins, some of which date back to the 5th century BC, will provide another “data point” as they map the daric timeline.
“This hoard will provide a firm date that can serve as an anchor to help fix the chronology (of the entire coin sequence),” Ratté said.
The coins’ hiding place likely resulted from some kind of conflict in and around Notion, which was a hotspot for military operations. Researchers say the treasure likely ended up in its resting place due to a mistake by the owners.
“No one ever buries a hoard of coins, especially precious metal coins, without the intention of retrieving them,” said Ratté. “Therefore, only the gravest misfortune can explain the preservation of such a treasure.”
