Unique Coin Treasures Discovered

Stefan Nikolov, international.ibox.bg

Four treasures of silver and copper coins were accepted in the National Historic Museum (NIM).

Two of these are silver and are the biggest of all Ivan Strazimir (Bulgarian tsar 1371-1396) treasures discovered by now. They were found by accident in the digging on a construction site and were immediately submitted to NIM.

The first coin treasure comes from the Vidin region and consists of 421 coins - early silver aspers of Ivan Strazimir, minted in the 60s and 70s of 14th century. They differ with bigger cores and consequently - they are heavier and also with the craftier work, expressed in detailed and carefully etched images.

The second coin treasure consists of a total of 905 coins and also comes from the Vidin region. It differs by its models from the later phase of silver minting of Ivan Strazimir (80s-first half of 90s of 14th century). These coins differ with smaller cores and less weight, because the weight standard was reduced, i.e. they have an inflation character.

The third treasure consists of 240 copper coins - again of Ivan Strazimir.

The fourth treasure consists of 62 silver coins of Apollonia Pontica (today's Sozopol), minted between 470-410 BC. On the upper side of the coin is an anchor - the emblem of the city and on the other side - Medusa. The Apollonian coins are among the most exquisite works of ancient art and are sought after by collectors from around the world.