4001 Roman Coins Rediscovered After Over 50 Years of Being Lost

The Museum of Aquitaine Bordeaux has recently opened a remarkable exhibition called the Treasure of Garonne. This collection consists of 4001 Roman coins that were recovered from a shipwreck dating back to the 2nd century A.D. In an unprecedented event, all 4001 coins are now accessible for public viewing for the first time. These sestertii coins, made from orichalcum—an alloy resembling brass made from zinc and copper—span from the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 A.D.) to that of Antoninus Pius (138-161 A.D.). As the largest and most significant Roman coin treasure found in France, it holds immense historical value.

The first coins from the treasure were discovered accidentally in 1965 during dredging works on the Garonne river.