On Friday, the University of Michigan’s Notion Archaeological Project announced a remarkable discovery in western Turkey: a hoard of gold coins from the Persian Empire. The coins, which date from the late 6th century BC to Alexander the Great’s conquest in 330 BC, feature a distinctive design of a kneeling archer, a motif prevalent in Persian coinage.
The treasure was uncovered in a small pot buried beneath a large house in the ancient Greek city of Notion. Christopher Ratté, the project’s director, explained that the coins were likely stored for safekeeping and were never retrieved for reasons that remain unclear. The discovery was made in 2023, but the announcement was delayed until last week to secure permission from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Andrew Meadows, a former curator of coins, described the find as “a spectacular discovery of the highest importance.” The coins provide valuable insights into the history and chronology of the period, with some dating back to the 5th century BC, offering a crucial anchor for understanding the sequence of Persian coinage.
The circumstances of the coins’ burial suggest they were hidden due to conflict in Notion, a region known for its military activity. Ratté theorized that the owners intended to recover the coins but were thwarted by unforeseen misfortune. He noted, “No one buries a hoard of valuable coins without planning to retrieve them, so only the gravest misfortune can explain their preservation.”
This discovery not only sheds light on the economic and cultural aspects of the Persian Empire but also provides an unprecedented glimpse into the historical context of the era.
