Great Discoveries: Diver Finds Ancient Roman Coins – WorthPoint

A diver recently discovered more than 30,000 Roman coins off the coast of Sardinia, Italy, that date back to the early fourth century. How the coins and jugs wound up in the water near Arzachena is unknown, but the area where the items were found could have been a shipwreck site.

Initially, the diver spotted “metal remains” in shallow water near Arzachena, Italy. Upon closer inspection, the diver found that the metal was “follis,” a type of Roman coin that was once used as Byzantine currency.

“Follis” means bag in Latin. This type of bag was usually made out of leather, and historical records indicate that follis was originally used in ancient times to describe a sealed pouch that held currency.

The coins were found in a clearing between the beach and an area of seagrass. Alongside the coins, the diver found walls of amphorae—tall Roman or Greek jugs with narrow necks.

Based on the total weight of the coins, the Italian Ministry of Culture indicated there may be 30,000 and 50,000 coins in the collection. The ministry pointed out that the coins were discovered in a “rare state of preservation,” and only four were damaged.

The coins represent “one of the most important discoveries of numismatic finds in recent years,” a ministry spokesperson said. They were likely produced between 324 and 340 CE and used across the Roman Empire.

Those who want to view more ancient Roman coins can see over 200,000 in the WorthPoint Price Guide.

Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website. 

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