The archaeological discovery surprises the world with its magnitude and the age of the treasure hidden underground. Researchers specialising in European archaeology have discovered an ancient hoard of gold coins in the countryside near Pilsen, in the Czech Republic. The collection included coins and small bars that had remained hidden underground for centuries and were discovered thanks to the work of a team exploring and analysing the area.
According to the Museum and Gallery of Northern Pilsen, the materials found are valuable evidence of the presence of the Celts in the region. Cultural authorities have emphasised that the collection is of great historical value, not only because of its age, but also because of its excellent state of preservation, which will allow for a deeper understanding of the societies that inhabited Central Europe. The rain shows no sign of letting up on this festive day of 8 December: all areas affected by rainfall and thunderstorms open in a new tab
Experts from the Archaeological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences explained that further assessments, based on isotopic testing, will determine whether the metal came from nearby deposits or was brought from distant regions via ancient trade routes.
Gold found in the Czech Republic: how the treasure was discovered
The discovery began to take shape long before it made the news. In 2021, an amateur hunter walking through the area with a metal detector found a fragment of an ancient coin dating from the 2nd century BC. This initial discovery led to controlled excavations in this area, which is an active agricultural field, coinciding with the sowing and harvesting periods.
According to experts, the objects found may have arrived there as a result of trade or may have been intentionally buried for ceremonial purposes. During the excavations, the remains of a horse and several metal tools were also found, suggesting that this site had ritual functions or was related to ancient trading practices.
Coins, ingots and unique gold pieces found in Pilsen
MGSP director Pavel Kodera said that at this site ‘a large number of small but exceptional metal objects were found, mainly coins, although ingots, pieces of raw gold, earrings and fragments of bracelets were also found.’
Key points of this surprising discovery:
- More than 500 gold and silver coins, many of which bear symbols of Celtic culture.
- Ingots and pieces of raw gold, as well as chips and small pieces of jewellery.
- Detailed drawings with images of horses, boars, suns and Celtic gods.
- Hellenistic influences, with portraits and motifs of Greek origin.
The coins range in size from 7 millimetres to 1.5 centimetres and are decorated with unique designs that reflect Celtic mythology and worldview.
‘These images are true works of art that reflect the mythology and mentality of the Celtic people,’ explained Codera.
The researchers concluded that this site was possibly a seasonal meeting place where local communities performed rituals or commercial transactions, leaving behind one of the most valuable archaeological treasures in Central Europe.
