In an unexpected discovery, archaeologists unearth valuable gold coins in an unusual setting.
Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great is depicted on 1,500-year-old coins.
During a recent excavation in Bulgaria, gold coins from ancient times were discovered by archaeologists in an unexpected location.
Five Byzantine coins dating back to the reign of Justinian the Great were discovered by archaeologists in Debnevo, Bulgaria. The excavation was announced by Dr. Stiliyan Ivanov on Aug. 27.
Excavation projects have been ongoing in the village, situated near a fifth-century fortress, for the past five years. However, researchers encountered a mystery when they unearthed coins in the ruins of a 10th-century house during their investigations.
The Byzantine Empire existed before the currency was established, with a history of more than 400 years.
Medieval builders likely discovered the coins while constructing the 10th-century house, which burned down later that century and was abandoned soon after, according to Ivanov's statement to Live Science.
The coins, even in the 10th century, would have been considered valuable and kept as heirlooms by the medieval residents. Ivanov expressed his happiness about the attention drawn to the coins in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.
The three coins found are in excellent condition, but two others are stuck together. Archaeologists suspect that they may have melted during the fire that destroyed the medieval dwelling.
The front of the coins features Justinian's face and the inscription "Our Lord Justinian Perpetual Augustus," while the back of the artifacts bears the phrase "Victory of the Augusts."
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Besides coins, archaeologists unearthed axes, sickles, and ceramic vessels, along with bronze rings during the excavation. However, the most intriguing find was the coins.
This summer, archaeologists unearthed ancient coins through multiple excavations, including the discovery of Greek gold coins in western Turkey in August.
During a walk in the Czech Republic in May, a woman discovered 2,150 silver coins minted between 1085 and 1107.
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