Metal Detectorist Unearths 934 Roman Silver Coins in Germany, Largest Hadrian-Era Hoard Found There

Approximately a year ago, near Wesseling, south of Cologne, an amateur archaeologist stumbled upon one of Germany’s most significant Roman silver coin collections. This hoard comprises 934 silver denarii, totaling nearly seven pounds. Oliver Riedl, who was using an authorized metal detector, initially uncovered 15 coins and subsequently notified the authorities. Experts from the LVR Office for the Preservation of Archaeological Monuments conducted an excavation, discovering the coins stored in a ceramic vessel lined with straw. The most recent coin is from 124 or 125 C.E., during Emperor Hadrian's rule, while the oldest dates back to 148 B.C.E. This collection, now showcased at the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, ranks as the largest Hadrian-era hoard in Germany and the fifth largest globally.