A group of archaeologists got a huge surprise while excavating a site in the village of Holzthum, in Luxembourg. There, they unearthed a cache of ancient coins. The coins bore the faces of nine Roman emperors.
These Roman coins, all made of gold, date back approximately 1,600 years, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The hoard of coins is valued at around $322,000.
Locating them took time, and the archaeologists requested special assistance to carry out their work: ‘Because the area was littered with munitions and explosives from World War II, the researchers called in the Army’s Mine Action Service to excavate the site safely.’
The media outlet explains that the site sparked the interest of archaeologists in 2019, when metal detector enthusiasts discovered coins in the area.
Experts proceeded with the official excavation between 2020 and 2024, according to Marc Hoscheid of the RTL Lëtzebuerg news network.
The faces of emperors on the coins
The gold coins are marked with the faces of nine Roman emperors who reigned during the 4th and 5th centuries.
The emperors depicted on the coins ruled between 364 and 408 AD.
Taken from Smithsonian Magazine/National Institute for Archaeological Research
It details that among the faces is that of Eugenius, ‘an illegitimate usurper who ruled the Western Roman Empire for only two years.’
Most of the coins are solidi, gold coins minted from the 4th century AD onwards.
Later, Smithsonian Magazine reports that three of the coins in the treasure represent the Roman emperor Eugenius, who reigned between 392 and 394 AD.
Marjanko Pilekić expressed his surprise to Live Science: ‘His coins are especially rare because of his short time in power.’
What happened to Eugenius, the emperor
A military general proclaimed Eugenius emperor of the West after the ‘mysterious death’ of Emperor Valentinian II.
Theodosius I, the emperor of the East, rejected Eugenius’ ascension and declared war on him, leading to his death in battle in 394. (I)
