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The SOLVA Archaeology Service in Belgium revealed their recent finding of ancient Roman relics and remains, including a dog in excellent condition, at Velzeke. (Source: SOLVA Dienst Archeologie)
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A collection comprising hundreds of silver coins from the Roman period and valuable metals was found in northern Germany — several years after its discovery went unreported to officials.
The revelation was made public by the Lower Saxony State Office for Monument Preservation (NLD) this past October, revealing the find occurred near Borsum, within the Hildesheim district.
The collection was composed of 450 silver coins, silver fragments, a gold ring, and one gold coin.
German authorities indicated that a detectorist initially unearthed the 2,000-year-old collection in 2017 — but it wasn’t reported until April of 2025.
In response, NLD archaeologists went to the location in October, seeking to determine the precise spot where the collection was unearthed, and to “retrieve any remaining objects in the ground,” according to the organization.
Following a delayed report from a metal detectorist, archaeologists in Lower Saxony scrutinized the site of a Roman coin cache. (iStock; Bartels, PI Hildesheim, ZKD/FK Forensics)
“Special focus was given to whether — notwithstanding the disturbed context of the find — information regarding the type of burial from 2,000 years ago could still be obtained following the inappropriate excavation in 2017,” the statement detailed.
“During this examination, more coins were located; the treasure collection was completely recovered after the dig concluded.”
It is unusual to withhold information about such discoveries.
The NLD also characterized the treasure as “among the most sizable trove discoveries of Roman coinage in Lower Saxony.”
“Based on current understanding, the coins can be dated to the early Roman Empire, a period characterized by coexistence, interaction, and conflict between Romans and Germanic populations,” the statement conveyed.
Officials stressed that an extensive scientific study was still required.
Archaeologists noted that further examination is required to ascertain who interred the Roman-era treasure and its purpose. (Bartels, PI Hildesheim, ZKD/FK Forensics)
“Only at that point can an evaluation occur regarding the origins of the artifacts and the reason for their burial here,” the NLD stated. “Were they Romans or Germanic individuals?”
The detectorist who located the collection will not face legal ramifications, as the statute of limitations has passed, officials confirmed.
Sebastian Messal, an NLD archaeologist, informed Fox News Digital that discoveries of this nature are uncommon, but not unknown, in Lower Saxony.
“Nevertheless, similar discoveries are well-documented within the region… For instance, around 3,000 coins were found in Jever, and over 1,100 Roman coins have been reported from Lengerich,” he pointed out.
More artifacts were unearthed during a subsequent excavation performed by the Lower Saxony State Office for Monument Preservation. (Bartels, PI Hildesheim, ZKD/FK Forensics)
As of mid-January, Messal added that the discoveries remain pending scientific evaluation — but the hoard’s scientific worth is considered “immense.”
The financial worth of the collection has not been assessed. Messal observed that a single Roman denarius could achieve values of up to 130 euros, conditional on its state.
Messal explained that the means by which the collection was initially buried remains uncertain, as the detectorist’s improper excavation disturbed the original archaeological environment.
German authorities assert that the collection’s scientific significance remains immense, in spite of harm to the original site. (Bartels, PI Hildesheim, ZKD/FK Forensics)
He restated that it’s not typical to conceal these kinds of discoveries.
“There is a legal requirement to declare such finds within Lower Saxony… Fresh finds such as these should, obviously, be unearthed under appropriate scientific protocols,” he emphasized.