German amateur uncovers 934-coin Roman hoard near Cologne
An amateur archaeologist in western Germany discovered a hoard of 934 Roman silver denarii, the largest collection from the Hadrian era ever found in the country. The 3.1kg cache, buried in the second century AD, is now on display in Bonn.
Key points
- Oliver Riedl found the coins in a field near Wesseling, south of Cologne, after his metal detector signaled repeatedly.
- The hoard contains 934 silver denarii and weighs 3.1kg, making it the largest Roman coin treasure from the Hadrian period in Germany.
- Experts believe the coins were deliberately buried in the second quarter of the second century AD to keep them safe, as banks did not exist.
- The collection is currently on display at the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn.
- A legionary would have needed to save all disposable income for six years to accumulate this amount, according to researchers.
Background
The discovery highlights the long Roman presence in the Cologne area, which was under Roman control from 39 BC to AD 459. The region served as a border outpost along the Rhine, later becoming Colonia Agrippina. While Roman-era treasure troves are not uncommon, few from the second century are as extensive as this find.
Why it matters
The find provides valuable insight into Roman economic practices and wealth storage in the Rhineland region. It also underscores the significance of amateur contributions to archaeological discoveries in Germany.
What to watch
Researchers will continue to analyze the coins to determine their exact minting dates and potential owners. The display at the Bonn museum will allow the public to view the hoard, which is expected to attract significant interest.
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