4148) A Diver discovered the Biggest Treasure Ever Found in the Mediterranean Sea - consisting of about 30,000 to 50,000 Ancient Roman Coins some dating back as far as the 4th century AD found off the coast of Arzachena, located in Sardinia, Italy:

4148) A Diver discovered the Biggest Treasure Ever Found in the Mediterranean Sea - consisting of about 30,000 to 50,000 Ancient Roman Coins some dating back as far as the 4th century AD found off the coast of Arzachena, located in Sardinia, Italy:

A diver’s unexpected discovery of 30,000 ancient coins has uncovered the biggest treasure ever found in the Mediterranean, sparking a wave of excitement and mystery!

In a groundbreaking discovery, a diver exploring the waters near Sardinia has unearthed what could be one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent memory: more than 30,000 ancient Roman coins, some dating back as far as the 4th century AD. This treasure was found off the coast of Arzachena, located in Sardinia, Italy.

The discovery is an extraordinary one, and experts are already speculating that this could lead to the unearthing of a previously unknown shipwreck.

 The remarkable find of these coins not only highlights the richness of the region’s submerged heritage but also offers potential for uncovering even more secrets buried beneath the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Discovery: A Coin Treasure Trove Beneath the Sea:

While on a routine dive near the town of Arzachena, the diver happened upon a glimmering metallic object partially buried in the seaweed-covered floor. 

This seemingly unassuming object turned out to be the tip of the iceberg—what followed was the discovery of thousands of ancient coins scattered across the sandy seabed. 

The coins were predominantly made of bronze and copper and are believed to have been minted in Rome during the 4th century AD. The exact number of coins discovered is difficult to determine precisely, but estimates range from 30,000 to as many as 50,000 coins. 

The discovery has been deemed “one of the most important numismatic finds in recent years,” as stated by Luigi La Rocca, the director general of archaeology, fine arts, and landscape for the region, in a statement from the Italian culture ministry. 

These coins, dating back to between 324 and 340 AD, were in exceptional condition, revealing intricate details that have intrigued archaeologists and historians alike. 

The fact that such a large number of coins was found in one location raises several questions about how they came to be there and whether they could point to an undiscovered shipwreck.

The Potential Link to a Shipwreck:

The concentration of coins in one area, along with additional finds such as narrow-necked jugs with two handles, has led experts to speculate that the treasure may be tied to a sunken shipwreck. 

The region surrounding Arzachena is known for its favourable underwater conditions that have historically helped preserve ancient shipwrecks and other artifacts. 

Experts believe that the coins may have been part of a larger cargo that was lost at sea, possibly as a result of a shipwreck. 

“The finding highlights the richness and importance of the archaeological heritage that our seabed, traversed by men and goods since the earliest times, still guards and preserves,” La Rocca said in his statement. 

This discovery not only serves as an incredible glimpse into the past but also emphasises the importance of continued underwater exploration and preservation efforts. 

While no definitive evidence of a shipwreck has yet been found, the presence of the coins and other artifacts in close proximity suggests that further investigation may yield exciting new finds in the near future. 

Significance of the Coin Discovery for Roman and Byzantine History:

The coins uncovered in the waters near Sardinia are known as follis coins, which were originally introduced by the Romans and later adopted by the Byzantine Empire. (The Byzantine follis (plural: folles) was a bronze coin issued from the late 5th century to the 11th century. It was central to the Byzantine Empire’s coinage system, issued from the early age of the Empire until it was replaced by the tetarteron).

These coins were used as currency in both the Roman and Byzantine empires, and their discovery sheds light on the economic systems of the time. The use of follis coins signifies the growing importance of Roman imperial currency, which helped fund vast military campaigns, infrastructure projects, and other state expenses. 

Historians and numismatists will undoubtedly be studying these coins for years to come. 

Their preservation in such remarkable condition allows for a deeper understanding of ancient coinage and its role in Roman trade and commerce. 

Additionally, the discovery of such a large hoard of coins raises questions about the shipping and trade networks of the time, potentially revealing new insights into Roman and Byzantine maritime activities.

For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:

The Fountains of Italy Coin Series:

1) Trevi Fountain (or "Fontana di Trevi), Republic of Italy: "The Fountains of Italy Coin Series": The first 10 Euro Gold Proof Coin issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) (State Mint and Polygraphic Institute of Italy) highlights Rome's timeless Trevi Fountain: Date of Coin issue: 04.04.2022

Other Links:

1) Historic Sassi (meaning "The Stones of Matera"): (I Sassi di Matera Basilicata): "Italy of the Arts Series": (Serie Italia della Arti): A 10 Euro Proof Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca Della Stato" (IPZS) on 19.09.2017 

2) 80th Anniversary of the Founding of the Vatican City State (1929-2009): A Vatican Euro Coin Set depicting Pope Benedict XVI on the Obverse, issued by Vatican City Mint in 2009

3) Amatrice: "Art Treasures of Amartice", Italy: A 5 Euro Bimetallic Commemorative Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) on 06.08.2018

4) a) Marco Polo, Explorer, Italy (1254-8/9.01.1324): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca di Stato, the Italian State Mint (2018)

4) b) Marco Polo (1254-1324), Venetian Traveller, Italy: The royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has brought out this special Silver strike of a Gold florin: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024

5) Vespa, Italy: "Italian Excellence Collector Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin in three selectively coloured variants brought out by "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) on 12.04.2019

6) Israel-Vatican Joint Issue: Celebrating 25 Years of diplomatic relations between Israel & the Holy See: A Commemorative Stamp issued jointly by Israel Philatelic Service & the Holy See Numismatic Service/Vatican Post: Stamp issue date: 10.09.2019

7) Michelangelo's "Pieta", Vatican City: New Copper Coin Series titled "Art and Faithy": A 10 Euro Copper Coin minted by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of the "Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Governatorato della Cotta del Vaticano": Coin issue date: 05.03.2020

8) Ancient Postal Routes, Vatican City State: EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two stamps of 1.10 Euro and 1.15 Euro issued by the Ufficio filatelico e Numismatico -Governatorato, Vaticano featuring Ancient Postal Routes emanating from the Vatican City State during the 6th & 11th Centuries AD

9) The mystery of the Gold Medal which has not been minted by the Vatican, as confirmed by the Vatican Philatelic & Numismatic Division

10) "Italia and Germania", Germania: Third Coin in the "Allegories Coin Series" minted by the Germania Mint: Year of Coin issue: 2020

11) Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de" Galilei (15.04.1564-08.01.1642), Italy, USA: "Icons of Inspiration Coin Series": First Coin in the Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series brought out by APMEX, USA: Year of Coin issue: 2021

12) Vatican City: "The Apolostic Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council" titled "Gaudium et Spes": Fourth Gold 100 Euro Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS) in Rome: Year of Coin issue: 2021

13) Emilia-Romagna-Lambrusco and Tortellini, Italy: A 5 Euro Cupro-nickel Coin from the "Italian Food and Wine Culture Series" - minted by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS): Year of Coin issue: 2021

14) 150th Anniversary of Institution of Rome as the Capital of Italy (1871-2021): A 2 Euro Bi-metallic Coin issued by the "istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS) celebrating the milestone: Year of Coin Release: 2021

15) Ennio Morriconi: "Great Italian Artists": A 5 Euro Bi-Metallic and 5 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS) celebrating the legendary composer: Year of Coin Release: 2021

16) "2021 Alpine Skiing Championships", (the Annual FIS Alpine Ski World Cup) held in the Northern Italian city of Cortina from 07-21.02.2021: A 5 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS): Year of Coin Release: 2021

17) "Nutella", Italy: "Italian Excellence Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin, in three variants - Red, White & Green - issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Year of Coin issue: 2021

18) "Constantine I", Italy: "Italian Emperors Coin Series": A 10 Euro Gold Coin, issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS): Year of Coin Release: 2021

19) Grazia Deledda", (150th Anniversary of her Birth (1871-2021), Italy: "Italian Writers Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Year of Coin issue: 2021

20) "Dante Alighieri - Inferno", (700th Anniversary of his death (1321-2021), Italy: "Italian Writers Coin Series": A 20 Euro Gold and a 5 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin Release: 05.08.2021

21) 450th Anniversary of the Birth of Caravaggio (1571-2021), Italy: "Italian Painters Coin Series": 20 Euro Gold Coin and a 5 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin release: 02.09.2021

22) i) Polar Bears, Italy: "Sustainable World Coin Series - Endangered Animals ": A 5 Euro Bronze Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin Release: 03.09.2021

22) ii) African Elephant, (Repubblica Italiana - Republic of Italy): 5 Euro Sustainable World Coin Series - Fourth Coin in the Series issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) features an African Elephant Herd: Year of Coin issue: 2023

23) 150th Anniversary of the invention of the telephone by Antonio Meucci (1871-2021), Italy: "Inventors Coin Series": A 5 Euro Copper Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin Release: 03.09.2021

24) Sicilian Passito and Cannolo, Italy: "Italian Food and Wine Culture Coin Series": A 5 Euro Cupro-nickel Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca delloStato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin Release: 08.10.2021

25) The Heritage (Re-edition) of the Lira, Italy: "Iconic Coin Series": 50 Euro Gold & 20 Euro Gold Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Date /Year of Coin Release: 04.11.2021

26) Italian Basketball Federation ("Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro" - FIP), Italy: 100th Anniversary milestone (1921-2021): 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin Release: 02.12.2021

27) 30th Anniversary of the deaths of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, Judges/Magistrates, Italy: Commemorative 2 Euro Coins issued by the IPZS on the two national heroes, who convicted hundredsof Mafia mobsters in the "Maxi Trials" of 1987: Date of Coin issue: 17.05.2022

28) 80th Anniversary of the Founding of the Vatican City State (1929-2009): A Vatican Euro Coin Set depicting Pope Benedict XVI on the Obverse, issued by the Vatican City Mint in 2009

29) Pope Francis' 80th Birthday on 17.12.16: Six Commemorative Coins issued by the Cook Islands

30) Vatican City: "The Apostolic Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council" titled "Gaudium et Spes": Fourth Golf 100 Euro Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) in Rome: Year of Coin issue: 2021

31) 50th Anniversary of World Earth Day, Vatican City: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Roma on behalf of "Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Vaticano": Date of Coin issue: 16.10.2020

32) Ukraine's War against the Russian Aggressors: A Silver Medal issued by the Vatican City State Mint (Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica Governerato (CFN) - Stato della Vatican City) on the theme of "Peace in Ukraine": Date of Medal issue: 20.05.2022

33) Did You Know Series (65): The Treasure of Como - Via Diaz 2018", Italy: The story of an extraordinary discovery of a Roman Gold Coin Hoard from the 5th Century AD unearthed while digging at the site of the old Cressoni Theatre in Como, near Milan in Northern Italy: Date of Discovery: 09/2018

34) Tiffany Art Metropolis - Rome, the Capital of Italy, Republic of Palau: "Tiffany Art Coin Series": Coin minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facilities in Munich: Coin coordinated by Coin Invest Trust (CIT): Year of Coin issue: 2022

35) St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (San Pietro in Vaticano), Republic of Palau: "Tiffany Art Metropolis Coin Series - San Pietro": Coin Invest Trust (CIT) has coordinated the issue of $500 (Gold) and $25 (Silver Coins minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2022

36) "The Twelve Apostles", Vatican City: The Twelve Apostles Coin Series: The first Silver Coins of 5- and 10-Euro minted by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of "Coommercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) feature St. Peter & St. Andrew: Date of Coins issued: 10.11.2022

37) "Towards the Holy Year 2025", Vatican City: A 200 Euro Gold Coin issued by the Commercializzazone Filatelica e Numismatica (CFN) to commemorate the three-year programme (2022-2023-2024) culminting in 2025: Date/Year of Coin issue: 19.12.2022

38) "Bergamo and Brescia", Italy: Five Euro Commemorative Copper Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) showcases the designated Italian Cultural Capital Cities: Date/Year of Coin issue: 20.02.2023

39) Luigi Vanvitelli (12.05.1700-01.03.1773), Architect and Painter, Italy: 250th Anniversary of his passing away: Five Euro (Silver) and Twenty Euro (Gold) Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) commemorate this celebrated Baroque Era Architect: Date/Year of Coin issue: 21.02.2023

40) "The Lateran Pacts between the Italian State and the Holy See", Vatican City State: 90th Anniversary Celebrations (1929-2019): The Ufficio Filetelco E. Numismatico (Office of the Philatelic and Numismatic Bureau of the Vatican) has issued an embroidered postage stamp of 8.40 Euro depicting the Coat of Arms of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 2019 (Reissued on 12.12.2022)

41) Environmental Protection as enshrined in the Italian Constitution, Italy: A Square-shaped bi-metallic Silver and Copper 5 Euro Coin brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) highlights environmental protection in the Italian constitution: Date of Coin issue: 27.04.2023

42) "The Resurrection of Christ" ("CHRISTVS RESVRREXIT"), Vatican City State: Rectangular-shaped Silver Proof and Colour Coins feature Renaissance painter Pietro Vannucci's (also known as "Perugino") masterpiece, presently in the Apostolic Palace Library: Date/Year of Coin issue: 04/2023

43) The Second Vatican Council - Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), Vatican City State: A 100 Euro Gold Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury Department of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023

44) The history of the Olympics in Italy - TRiTTICO Cortina 1956, Rome 1960, Turin 2006, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): Three 20 Euro Gold Coins issued by the Istututo Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) celebrate the selection of 2026 Winter Olympics in the City of Cortino Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 07.09.2023

45) A Euro Coin Set - 2018, Vatican City State: An eight (8) Coin Set issued by the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica on Euro Coins: Coins minted by the IPZS Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" (The Vatican City State") in 2018

46) Remembrance to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Vatican City: Coins issued by Commercializzazione Filetelica e Numismatica on 10 Euro Silver Coins: Coins minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" ("The Vatican City State"): Date of Coin issue: 26.10.2023

47) The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury Department of the Vatican City State has issued the first of two commemorative 10 Euro coins which mark 2025 and the Holy Year Pilgrims of Hope: Date/Year of Coins issue: 12/2023

48) Pesaro, Italy: The Italian City designatied as the 2024 European Capital of Culture (ECOC):Date of Coin issue: 26.01,2024

49) Around the World Voyage of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy's oldest Naval Vessel: A 5 Euro Silv er Proof & Colour Coin presents the voyage of the v essel: Date of Coin issue: 08.03.2024

50) St. Peter and the Rooster star on latest Vatican 20 Euro coin issued by the CFN (Commercialzzone Filatelica E Numasmatica - Vatican City: "Art and Faith Coin Series: Year of Coin issue: 2024;

51) Pope Francis Coin Card, Vatican City: A 1 Euro Base Metal Coin: The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica " (CFN) has issued a 1 Euro Copper Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zella dello State (or State Mint and Polygraphic Institute - IPZS), Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024

52) The Vatican Coin Set: The "Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) has issued an eight (8) Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Coin Set minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato ("State Mint and Poligraphic Institute - IPZS"), Italy: Date/Year of Coin set issue: 2024

53) Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Poland, Poland: Rectangular Silver Proof Coins Mark the 100th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Concordat (1925-2025): Date/Year of Coin issue: 06.02.2025

54) Did You Know Series (103): Between One Pope and the Next - the Sede Vacante (meaning "Vacant Seat:) Coins are issued:

55) Cardinal Robert Prevost is Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope, United States of America (USA): A 1-oz Silver Election of Pope Leo XIV Round: Date/Year of Round issue: 08.05.2025

56) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis: Citta Del Vaticano (Vatican City): The IPZS, Italy (in English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 50 Euro Gold Coin which features a kneeling Late Pope Francis on one face and The Shrine on the other:: Year of Coin issue: 2015

57) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis, CITTA DEL VATICANO (Vatican City): The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Italy (In English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 20 Euro Gold Coin which features Late Pope Francis on one face and the Virgin Mary with a crown sitting on a throne and holding the baby Jesus Christ, with angels kneeling on the  sides, on the other: Year of Coin issue: 2015

58) "Beloved Opera, Norma by Bellini, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): 5 Euro Silver Colour and Proof Rectangular Coins issued b y the IPZS" Date/Year of Coin issue: 24.06.2025

59) "Repubblic d'Italia") The "Italian Republic/Peninsula"), Cook Islands: A $10 (Ten Dollars) Silver Coin co-ordinated by Coin Invest Trust (CIT): Minted by B.H.Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt (GmbH) at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2025

60) "Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026", Republic of Italy: A 50 Euro Gold proof Coin features the official logo of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games: Date/Year of Coin issue: 27.08.2025

Links to Posts on Marco Polo on  this Blog:

1) Marco Polo, Explorer, Italy (1254-8/9.01.1324): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca di Stato, the Italian State Mint (2018)

2) Marco Polo (1254-1324), Venetian Traveller, Italy: The royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has brought out this special Silver strike of a Gold florin: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024

Posts on the Ryder Cup on this Blog:

i) The 2014 Ryder Cup Commemorative Banknote: Commemorating the Ryder Cup, Europe with a 5 Pound Sterling Banknote issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland

ii) The 44th Ryder Cup held in Italy: 10 Euro Silver Coins with applied colour and concave centre brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) marks the conduct of the prestigious Ryder Cup in Italy for the first time: Date of Coin issue: 18.09.2023

Italian Excellence Coin Series:

1) Vespa, Italy: "Italian Excellence Collector Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin in three selectively coloured variants brought out by "Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) on 12.04.2019

2) "Nutella", Italy: "Italian Excellence Coin Series": A 5 Euro Silver Coin, in three variants - Red, White & Green - issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato" (IPZS): Year of Coin issue: 2021

3) Giorgio Armani - (born 11.07.1934), Italian Fashion Designer, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): "Italian Excellence Coin Series": A 50.00 Euro Gold Coin issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS): Date/Year of Coin issue: 11.07.2023