In the azure depths off the northeastern shores of Sardinia lies a hidden trove of history waiting to be discovered. A chance encounter by a diver with something glimmering in the sunlight has unveiled a breathtaking underwater treasure—a collection of tens of thousands of ancient bronze coins dating back to the first half of the fourth century. This extraordinary find, nestled amidst the seagrass near the town of Arzachena, has sparked speculation about its origins, hinting at the possibility of a long-lost shipwreck.
Shipwreck Spoils?
The exact timeline of the discovery remains undisclosed, with the Italian culture ministry revealing only that the initial sighting of metal by an unnamed diver prompted a comprehensive archaeological investigation. Under the auspices of Italy’s art protection squad and the ministry’s undersea archaeology department, the seabed yielded its secrets—a vast array of coins strewn across a sandy expanse, tantalizingly close to the coastline. The peculiar shape and positioning of this area suggest the potential presence of remnants from a bygone maritime disaster.
Numismatic Wonder
Described as follis, the discovered coins number between 30,000 to 50,000, eclipsing previous finds such as the 2013 discovery of 22,888 coins in Seaton, UK. These ancient relics, alongside fragments of amphorae from African and Oriental origins, were initially spotted by a local diving enthusiast. Subsequent confirmation of the find involved a coordinated effort among various archaeological units, including the Superintendency of Archaeology and the Carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, supported by state and local authorities.
Exceptional Preservation
Remarkably, the majority of the retrieved coins boast exceptional preservation, with only a handful displaying minor damage while remaining legible. Dating from 324 AD to before 346 AD, these coins offer a window into the economic and political landscape of the era. Their varied minting origins across the Roman Empire during this period provide invaluable insights into ancient trade routes and economic dynamics.
An Archaeological Boon
Luigi La Rocca, ABAP General Director, hailed the discovery as one of the most significant numismatic finds in recent memory. He underscored the importance of preserving and analyzing these artifacts to glean deeper insights into ancient maritime trade and the expansive reach of the Roman Empire. La Rocca emphasized the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding this underwater heritage from both natural degradation and human activities, employing cutting-edge recovery and conservation methods to ensure its protection for future generations.
As exploration of the site continues, the promise of uncovering further secrets of Sardinia’s ancient past looms large, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of history concealed beneath the waves.
