September 23, 2026 | 07:53 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A massive trove of Roman silver coins dating back to the 2nd century AD have been discovered by an amateur archaeologist in Germany.
"It was clear to me that there was something significant here," said Oliver Riedl, describing the moment he found several coins near Wesseling, south of Cologne, a year ago.
After making the discovery, Riedl contacted the authorities to report the find and request assistance. A team of experts began excavations and uncovered a total of 934 Roman silver coins, also known as "denarii".
The hoard was put on display on Tuesday at the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, located in what was once the capital of West Germany.
According to the the local authority responsible for archaeological heritage preservation, this is the largest coin hoard from the era of Roman Emperor Hadrian ever found in Germany.
A historic discovery
Regional archeological authorities believe the coins were most likely buried during the second quarter of the 2nd century AD.
"Of course, we can only speculate about the reasons, but it is highly likely that someone wanted to keep this money safe. After all, banks did not exist at that time," said Erich Classen, the chief archaeologist of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Classen noted that there is no explanation as to why the coins were not discovered earlier, nor is it known who buried them. He added that "perhaps the owner died before being able to recover them or pass on knowledge of their location."
Coin hoards from the Roman period and other distant historical eras are not uncommon in the region. However, according to officials, few 2nd-century discoveries are as extensive as the one found in Wesseling. The institution also said that the current value of the collection is difficult to estimate. Nevertheless, thanks to extensive documentation preserved in written sources, there is a useful point of reference.
At that time, an ordinary legionary earned about 300 denarii per year. However, approximately half of that amount was deducted to cover food and equipment costs," explained Rahel Otte, a researcher at the state's archaeological office.
"Therefore, a legionary would have had to save all of his disposable income for around six years to accumulate a treasure like the Wesseling hoard," she added.
The Cologne region remained under Roman control from approximately 39 BC to AD 459. The Romans established their presence in the area under the command of General Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa to secure the empire's frontier along the Rhine River. To that end, they founded a military outpost that later developed into Colonia Agrippina, present-day Cologne.
Read: Top 10 Most Valuable and Rarest Coins in the World
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
US Air Force Fighter Jet Crashes Near Air Base in Germany
1 jam lalu
A fighter jet crashed near the US air base in Spangdahlem, Germany, on Tuesday.
5 Largest Economies in the World: Which Countries Produce the Most GDP?
13 jam lalu
From GDP rankings to economic strengths, here are the five largest economies in the world in 2026 based on nominal GDP.
German Doctors Offer Oktoberfest Flu Jabs as Festival Opens
2 hari lalu
Germany kicked off the 191st Oktoberfest as Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg, while health officials offered flu and more shots to revelers.
High Fuel Prices Challenge the German Government
7 hari lalu
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to provide relief to motorists. But exactly how this is to happen remains unclear.
Indonesian UGM Team Selected for UN Microgravity Research Program
8 hari lalu
A team from Indonesia's UGM has been selected for a UN microgravity research program in Germany to study wet silica sand under low-gravity conditions.
Germany Charges 7 Suspected Hamas Members Over Attack Plot
11 hari lalu
Prosecutors say the suspects had a concrete plan for a deadly attack on Israeli or Jewish targets.
Russia Says It Is Closing German Consulate in St. Petersburg
14 hari lalu
The tit-for-tat reaction comes after Germany said it is shutting down Russia's consulate in Bonn and its cultural center in Berlin.
Germany: From Emigration to Immigration Destination
17 hari lalu
Germany fears uncontrolled immigration, but millions of Germans once emigrated in search of better lives.
Russia to Close Branches of Germany's Goethe-Institut
19 hari lalu
Russia said the move followed Germany's closure of the Russian House in Berlin over a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Germany: How to Woo Voters with an Immigrant Background
20 hari lalu
The number of voters in Germany with an immigrant background is rising. Yet the established parties barely manage to reach them. Why not?
