The silver coins were found in a jug during archaeological excavations led by researchers at Pamukkale University, according to a university press release.
The ruins of Aizanoi are found in the modern province of Kutahya in western Turkey.
The coins were found in 2019 and date back to the time of Emperor Augustus, who ruled from 44 BC. until 14 AD.
He was the first Roman emperor to take the reign of Julius Caesar and build an empire that would eventually stretch from Britain to Egypt, boasting on his deathbed that “I found Rome built of bricks. and I left it in marble ”.
Many of the coins feature the face of Augustus, while others bear the likeness of Marcus Junius Brutus – one of the leaders in the assassination of Caesar in 44 BC. – and some show Caesar himself.
Archaeologists believe the coins may have been brought to Aizanoi by a soldier. Credit: Pamukkale University
Elif Ozer, chief archaeologist and university professor, said the coins were “a very special and unique collection” that could have been brought to Aizanoi by a high-ranking soldier.
Most of the coins appear to have been minted in southern Italy, according to a press release issued earlier this month.
“It’s the most special discovery of silver coins in recent times,” Ozer added.
In September 2018, at least 300 Roman coins were found in a jar of soapstone discovered in the basement of the Cressoni Theater in Como, north of Milan.
And in October, an ancient Roman coin described as an “empty and shameless feast” of Caesar’s assassination set a new record for a coin sold at auction.
Bought by an anonymous bidder for 2.7 million pounds ($ 3.5 million), the “aureus” coin had a portrait of Brutus.