AssetID: 53187058
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Huge Hoard Of Pristine 4th Century Roman Coins Found Off Sardinia's Coast
Caption: A chance sighting by an Italian diver has resulted in the recovery of tens of thousands of Roman coins off the northeastern coast of Sardinia. The coins, or ‘follis’, mainly date from between 324 AD and 340 AD - with many coming from the era of Constantine the Great. Preliminary estimates as to the size of the hoard, which was found among sea grass off the coast of Arzachena, indicate that there are between 30,000 and 50,000 specimens, according to the Italian Culture Ministry. If confirmed, the figure will surpass the 2013 discovery in Seaton, United Kingdom, where 22,888 follis were found. The follis was a bronze coin introduced around 294 AD by the former Roman emperor Diocletian. Luigi La Rocca, from Sardinia’s archaeology department, said the find is one of the most significant coin discoveries made in recent times. "The treasure found in the waters of Arzachena represents one of the most important discoveries of numismatic (relating to money) finds in recent years,” he explained. “It underscores the richness and significance of the archaeological heritage concealed in the depths of our seas, traversed by people and cargo since ancient times, which is still safeguarded and preserved." Additionally, remnants of amphora walls, originating from both African and Oriental production, have also been identified in smaller quantities. The discovery was made by a private individual who, during a dive, spotted metallic remains at a shallow depth not far from the coastline. The following day, a joint effort was undertaken by the underwater archaeological unit of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Sassari and Nuoro, in collaboration with the Carabinieri of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Sardinia and the Carabinieri Underwater Unit of Sardinia. They were assisted by the Diving Unit of the Carabinieri of Cagliari, the Fire Brigade of Sassari, the State Police, the Financial Police, and the Port Authorities. The underwater investigations revealed the presence of two primary areas of follis dispersion in a vast sandy expanse that stretches between the beach and the seafloor, potentially preserving substantial remnants of a sunken vessel due to its location and seabed morphology. All the coins recovered are remarkably well-preserved and in a rare state. Only four pieces show damage, although they remain legible.
Keywords: roman coins,ancient rome,feature,photo,video,constantine,sardinia,italy
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