Hundreds of 2,000-Year-Old Gold and Silver Coins Unearthed in Netherlands

Two metal detectorists in the Netherlands have unearthed a rare collection of gold and silver coins dating back nearly 2,000 years. The hoard, consisting of 404 coins, includes a mix of Roman and British currency, making it the first of its kind ever discovered on mainland Europe.

Archaeologists believe the coins were buried around A.D. 47, possibly by a returning Roman soldier who had received them as payment or war spoils.

The treasure was discovered in Bunnik, a town southeast of Amsterdam, in the fall of 2023. The National Museum of Antiquities acquired the collection and recently put it on public display as part of an exhibition, “The Netherlands in Roman Times.”

A glimpse into ancient Rome and Britain

The hoard contains 116 gold coins, including 72 Roman aurei minted between 19 B.C. and A.D. 47 and 44 British staters made of gold alloy. The staters bear the name of Cunobeline, a Celtic ruler known as the King of the Britons, who ruled from A.D. 9 to 42.

Ancient Roman historian Suetonius referred to him by that title, while Greek geographer Strabo noted his trade ties with the Romans, exchanging goods like grain, metals, and even hunting dogs.

The remaining 288 coins are silver, dating from 200 B.C. to A.D. 47. Among them is a rare piece depicting Julius Caesar, Rome’s most famous military leader. Another features Juba I, King of Numidia, a North African ruler whose kingdom covered present-day Algeria and Tunisia.

Buried treasure or a gift to the Gods?

Archaeologists who studied the site suggest the coins may have been hidden for safekeeping or as an offering to the gods.

The Rhine River served as the northern border of the Roman Empire during this period, with Roman soldiers stationed there to defend against attacks from Germanic tribes and to launch military campaigns into Great Britain.

Incredible find of 404 Roman gold/silver coins in The Netherlands pic.twitter.com/IbSTBgVvpk

— Willem Middelkoop (@wmiddelkoop) January 28, 2025

Some experts believe a returning soldier may have hidden his wealth with plans to retrieve it later, while others suggest he buried it as a tribute after surviving battle.

A historic discovery

This collection of gold and silver coins in Netherlands is the largest Roman-era coin hoard ever found in the Dutch province of Utrecht. It also marks the first instance of a mixed Romano-British coin hoard found on mainland Europe, shedding light on ancient trade and military connections.

The National Museum of Antiquities has added the coins to its National Archaeology Collection, where they will remain available for further study. Researchers hope the discovery will provide new insights into the economic and military history of the Roman Empire’s expansion into northern Europe and Britain.

Visitors can now see the coins firsthand as part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to bring ancient history to life.