4148) Did You Know Series (120): 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:
Other Links:
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
61) Did You Know Series (120): 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 Azachena, located in Sardinia, Italy
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:
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DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Highlights the importance of knowing swimming and diving!"
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very interesting post. Thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
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