In a remarkable archaeological discovery, two metal detectorists unearthed a hoard of 404 gold and silver coins in the Dutch town of Bunnik, located about 24 miles southeast of Amsterdam. This collection, dating back to the first century, includes a rare mixture of Roman and British currency, making it the first of its kind on the European mainland. Dutch archaeologists have determined that this significant find was likely buried around A.D. 47.
The treasure trove consists of 288 silver coins, minted between 200 B.C. and A.D. 47, and features an impressive array of historical figures. Among the coins is a depiction of Julius Caesar and a rare example featuring Juba, king of Numidia, from present-day Algeria. The gold collection includes 72 Roman aurei, dating from 19 B.C. to A.D. 47, and 44 gold alloy coins known as staters. These staters bear the name of Celtic king Cunobeline, who famously traded precious metals, grain, and dogs with the Romans. His name in the Celtic language translates to "strong as a dog."
Dutch archaeologists studying the site believe that the hoard may have belonged to a Roman soldier who had returned from Britain. It is theorized that he collected the Roman coins as payment and acquired the British staters as war booty during his military service. Many of the coins were minted during the reign of Emperor Claudius, who ruled from A.D. 41 to 54.
In addition to these coins, a gold 'Brutus' coin, minted shortly after Julius Caesar's assassination, has been put up for auction. This coin adds to the intrigue surrounding the discovery, as it depicts an illegitimate emperor—a detail that highlights the complex political landscape of that era.
The discovery near the Sea of Galilee in Israel of a separate 15th-century hoard further emphasizes the historical significance of such finds. However, the Bunnik hoard stands out as the largest collection from the Roman period ever discovered in the Dutch province of Utrecht. It represents a unique Romano-British composition that has not been previously documented on mainland Europe.
