What started as a simple walk across a freshly plowed field, in the Kutná Hora region of the Czech Republic, turned into one of Central Europe’s largest discoveries in the history of coins. A local woman, who chose to remain anonymous, found 2,150 coins dating from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The coins were inside a broken ceramic pot. The collection represents a large amount of wealth from a time when politics was very unstable. Experts from the Institute of Archeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences called the discovery a jackpot for historians. It provides rare clues about money systems, metal use and economic changes during the challenging rule of the Přemyslid dynasty in medieval Bohemia.
Over 2,000 ancient coins found during a casual walk
As noted at the Institute of Archeology of the CAS, in a field near Kutná Hora, a woman noticed some silver coins that were partially exposed due to weathering. They reported their findings, which were then investigated by archaeologists from the Czech Academy of Sciences. They discovered 2,150 silver coins; These coins were originally housed in a ceramic vessel, which broke over time. This discovery is one of the most important discoveries in this area in the last ten years. Experts now needed to quickly stabilize and preserve the coins to prevent the silver alloy from oxidizing.
Why were more than 2,000 coins kept hidden for centuries?
Experts estimate the coins to be dated between 1085 and 1120 AD, according to a study published by the Czech Academy of Sciences, which is known for minting silver dinars. The collection includes coins of King Vratislav II and Princes Vratislav II and Borivoj II. At that time, the denarius was the main currency of the Přemyslid state. The sheer quantity of coins shows that this was not just someone’s personal savings. Instead, it may have been a large store of military pay or war treasure, hidden during civil unrest between rivals for the Bohemian throne.
How does XRF technology detect antique silver?
Scientists are now investigating the chemical composition of silver using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), along with other non-destructive techniques. The purpose of these analyzes is to trace the silver ore back to its origin, possibly linking the coins to specific local mines or historical trade paths. Because the treasure was discovered in its original setting largely undisturbed, it offers a unique snapshot of history. This allows researchers to trace economic conditions such as purchasing power and inflation during the early 12th century.