During recent excavations in Bulgaria, archaeologists found ancient gold coins in an unexpected place.
Five Byzantine coins, dating back to the reign of Justinian the Great, were discovered by archaeologists while excavating a site in the northern Bulgarian village of Debenevo.
The excavation was announced on August 27 by Dr. Stiliyan Ivanov, Associate Professor at the National Archaeological and Museum Institute.
The village, which is close to a fifth-century fort, has been the site of excavation projects for the past five years.
But researchers were surprised when they found these coins in the remains of a 10th century house.
Since Justinian ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 A.D., the currency in circulation was over 400 years old.
Medieval builders likely found the coins while constructing the 10th-century house, Ivanov told Live Science.
The house burned down later in the same century, and archaeologists believe the site was abandoned soon after.
These coins would have been considered valuable even in the 10th century, and medieval inhabitants may have kept them as heirlooms.
Ivanov told Fox News Digital he was “very happy” to see the interest in the coins.
Three coins are in very good condition while two others are stuck together.
Archaeologists believe they may have been melted in the fire that destroyed the medieval dwelling.
The coins feature Justinian's face in the center, with the words “Our Lord Justinian Perpetual Augustus” written on it.
The phrase “Victory to August” is inscribed on the back of the artifact.
In addition to coins, archaeologists have also found axes, sickles, and ceramic vessels, as well as bronze rings.
But the most surprising thing in the excavation were these coins.
The dig is one of several this summer in which archaeologists have found ancient coins.
In August, researchers found ancient Greek gold coins in modern-day western Türkiye.
In May, a woman found 2,150 silver coins minted between 1085 and 1107 while traveling in the Czech Republic.
