A Rare Discovery: Ancient Gold Coins Unearthed In Turkey

It is believed that these coins were predominantly used for the payment of mercenary troops during that period.

The coins discovered by the researchers feature a figure of a kneeling archer, the characteristic design of the Persian daric. Photo Credit: NOTION ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

A discovery has been made by a team of archaeologists from the Notion Archaeological Project at the University of Michigan in the ancient Greek city of Notion, located in western Turkey.

According to the report by CBS News, the researchers have uncovered a hoard of gold coins from the Persian Empire, signifying a momentous find in the field of archaeology.

The coins, featuring the image of a kneeling archer, have been identified as darics, a type of gold currency utilized in the Persian Empire from the late 6th century B.C. until the conquest of Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. It is believed that these coins were predominantly used for the payment of mercenary troops during that period.

Amidst the artifacts discovered was a small pot buried beneath a large house, thought to have been utilized for the safekeeping of the valuable coins. It is probable that this accumulation of wealth remained unrecovered due to unforeseen circumstances, ultimately leading to its preservation over the centuries.

The extraordinary discovery, dating back to 2023, has been publicly announced with the endorsement of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Experts in the field have lauded the significance of this find, acknowledging its importance in providing valuable insights into the historical timeline of the daric.

Andrew Meadows of Oxford University, a former curator of coins at the British Museum and the American Numismatic Society, expressed his enthusiasm, describing the find as “of the highest importance.” The coins, some of which date back to the 5th century B.C., are anticipated to contribute to a better understanding of the daric’s timeline.

As stated by Christopher Ratté, a professor of classical studies at the University of Michigan and director of the Notion Archaeological Project, the burial of the coins may have been a consequence of conflict in and around Notion, which served as a strategic location for military operations. He suggests that the preservation of the hoard was likely due to misfortune suffered by its owners, leading to the unusual circumstances of its burial.

The discovery of the gold coins in Notion, Turkey is indeed a significant event that illuminates the ancient history of the region. It presents a unique opportunity for researchers to gain new insights into the economic and military dynamics of the Persian Empire’s influence in western Turkey during that era. With the approval of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the archaeological team’s efforts have been met with great enthusiasm and the promise of further valuable discoveries in the future.