Rare Haul of Ancient Roman Silver Coins Unearthed on Pantelleria Island

A team led by archaeologist Thomas Schaefer discovered 27 silver Roman coins on Pantelleria Island, dating between 94 and 74 BC. This significant find offers insights into Mediterranean trade and political relations during the Republican age. Prior notable finds include 107 Roman coins and imperial statue heads.

A team led by archaeologist Thomas Schaefer has made a remarkable discovery of 27 silver Roman coins on Pantelleria Island, dating between 94 and 74 BC. The discovery was part of a cleaning and restoration project conducted in the Archaeological Park of Selinunte.

The coins were found at the Acropolis, a historically significant part of the park that once housed an ancient Greek colony. This site has previously yielded notable finds, including 107 Roman coins in 2010 and imperial statue heads of Caesar, Agrippina, and Titus some years earlier.

The newly discovered coins provide valuable insights into the trade and political relations in the Mediterranean during the Republican age. According to regional councillor Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the find offers important details for reconstructing historical events. The coins appeared in loose soil after recent rains, while others were found under a rock. Schaefer speculates they were hidden during a pirate attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)