University of Michigan Team Unearths Rare Persian Gold Coin Hoard in Turkey's Notion City

Researchers from the University of Michigan's Notion Archaeological Project recently made a significant discovery of a hoard of gold coins from the Persian Empire in western Turkey. The find, made public after receiving permission from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has been described as "very rare" by the research team.

Significance of the Discovery

The design of the coins, featuring the figure of a kneeling archer, aligns with the daric, a type of gold coin used in the Persian Empire. This particular style of coin was in circulation from the late 6th century B.C. until the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. According to the researchers, the daric was primarily utilized to compensate mercenary troops.

The team uncovered the hoard of coins, along with other artifacts, in a small pot buried beneath a large house located at the center of the ancient Greek city of Notion. Notably, Notion was intermittently part of the Persian Empire during the period when the coins were in use. Christopher Ratté, a professor of classical studies at the University of Michigan and the director of the Notion Archaeological Project, speculated that the coins were likely stored in the pot for safekeeping but were never reclaimed for unknown reasons.

Experts React to the Find

This remarkable discovery has garnered attention from experts in the field. Andrew Meadows, a scholar from Oxford University and former curator of coins at the British Museum and the American Numismatic Society, expressed his enthusiasm for the find, stating, "This is a spectacular find… of the highest importance. "

Researchers assert that the coins, some of which date back to the 5th century B.C., will provide invaluable insights into the timeline of the daric coins' use. Ratté emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that it would serve as a "firm date that can act as an anchor to help fix the chronology of the entire sequence of coins."

Historical Context and Speculations

The experts believe that the burial of the coins most likely occurred as a consequence of some conflict in and around Notion, a region that was historically significant for military operations. Ratté suggested that the hoard likely ended up in its buried location due to an unfortunate mishap on the part of the owners. "It's highly unusual for individuals to bury a hoard of precious metal coins without the intention of retrieving it," Ratté noted. "The only plausible explanation for the preservation of such treasure would be a grave misfortune."

This significant discovery of a hoard of gold coins from the Persian Empire in western Turkey provides valuable insights into the historical use of daric coins. The collaboration between researchers from the University of Michigan's Notion Archaeological Project and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has advanced our understanding of the past and deepened our knowledge of this ancient civilization.