A diver explored the waters off the coast of Sardinia. He found tens of thousands of bronze coins from the Roman period hidden in seaweed.

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The man immediately reported the find, made near the city of Arzachena, to the authorities. Based on the location of the treasure, experts believe that its hiding place may be related to an as yet undiscovered shipwreck.

The first estimates of the weight of the treasure are as follows: From 30,000 to 50,000. Only four of them are damaged, but even inside there are legible inscriptions, including the date and faces. Other coins are surprisingly well preserved.

Roman coins / Photo by Italian Ministry of Culture

Further research by archaeologists has shown that folia, a large type of coin used in the Roman and Byzantine empires, Printed between 324 and 340 AD According to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Culture, it is “in an exceptional and rare state of preservation”. The coins were in circulation during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, which lasted from 306 to 337 AD.

Roman coins / Photo by Italian Ministry of Culture

Roman coins / Photo by Italian Ministry of Culture

Roman coins / Photo by Italian Ministry of Culture

The treasure found in the waters of Arzachena is one of the most important numismatic finds of recent years, once again emphasizing the richness and importance of the archaeological heritage in the depths of our seas.
– says Luigi La Rocca, General Director of Sardinia Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape.

It seems that archaeologists have not yet examined all the coins. A long process for the restoration and conservation of the found coins is still ongoing. It is also possible that scientists are trying to find the remains of a sunken ship.