A surprising treasure trove of 17th-century coins has been found on an old farm in Germany. See the details of this discovery that is enchanting historians and archaeologists
German archaeologists from the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt (LDA) have carried out an important discovery in Wettin-Löbejün, a small town in Germany. During construction work on an old farm, a treasure trove of 17th-century coins was found in a location that dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
This farm, maintained by an organization dedicated to preserving cultural heritage since 2018, now reveals a precious piece of the region's history.
The old bourgeois farm, preserved by the organization, was a heritage site at risk of being demolished due to growing urban. Property is believed to have played an important role in the end of the Thirty Years' War. Furthermore, in 1681, the farm also began to function as a pharmacy, serving the needs of the local village.
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The discovered treasure
The treasure was found near the gate leading to the farm's central courtyard. In total, 285 silver coins were unearthed, some whole and others fragmented. The coins have already been sent to a restoration workshop, where experts are working on their conservation and analysis.
More than half of the coins found are silver thalers, a common currency in many parts of northern Germany. At the time, this area was under the control of the Holy Roman Empire and later the German Confederation.
Other coins include Schreckenberg grochen, originating from various regions of Germany, and Albertus thalers, minted in the Spanish Netherlands. Coins minted in reference to German emperors, the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Archduke Albert VII of Austria and King Philip IV of Spain have also been identified.
Historical Context of Coins
Archaeologists believe the treasure was buried around 1650, likely as a way to protect money during uncertain times, possibly during the Thirty Years' War. This war devastated large parts of Europe, and the need to protect wealth was common.
In addition to their historical value, the discovery also symbolizes the importance of collaboration between volunteers and authorities in preserving historical and archaeological heritage. The discovery of these coins offers a glimpse into the economic and political practices of the region at the time, enriching our understanding of the history of Saxony-Anhalt.
The find serves as an example of how heritage preservation can reveal secrets of the past and continue to contribute to the study of local history and culture.