An amateur metal detectorist in Germany uncovered what may be the largest Roman coin hoard from Emperor Hadrian's reign, weighing 3 kg and spanning nearly three centuries.
German treasure discovery
An amateur metal detectorist in Germany has uncovered what is believed to be the largest treasure of coins from the reign of Emperor Hadrian ever discovered in the country. Oliver Riedl found 934 Roman silver denarii near Wesseling, a discovery that covers nearly three centuries of Roman history and weighs approximately 3 kilograms.Coins span a long period
The coins, which date back to as early as 148 BC and as recently as 124 or 125 AD, are currently on display at the LVR-LandesMuseum in Bonn. They were found buried in a clay pot lined with straw, and the entire block of surrounding earth was transported to a restoration workshop for further study.Value of the find
Researchers estimate that the burial took place during the second quarter of the second century AD. According to Rachel Otte, a researcher at the archaeological office, the amount of money found would have required six years of savings for a Roman legionary, who earned about 300 denarii per year.Mystery of the treasure
The identity of the owner and the reasons for the burial remain a mystery. One hypothesis is that the owner died before being able to pass on the information about the existence of the treasure to a relative or heir. The discovery occurred only a few days after the announcement of another archaeological treasure, highlighting the potential for further discoveries beneath European soil.
