Several ancient silver coins stolen from Romania and recovered in the US were recently exhibited at the National History Museum in Bucharest. The 49 silver coins called Koson were stolen from the ancient Dacian capital Sarmizegetusa Regia between 2003 and 2006. Back then, a group of people found and stole 2,300 silver Koson coins, and sold them in batches of 600 coins in Germany. An American dealer in Chicago bought one of the batches, and he chose to work with the Romanian authorities in finding the source of the coins, according to the Police. The investigation is still ongoing so some details cannot be revealed. Out of the 2,300 coins, Romania also recovered 202 coins three years ago.

Several of Romania's treasuries are being searched across the world with the help of the Interpol: 30 kilos of gold lysimach coins, 25 kilos of Koson coins, five royal iron shields, two bronze tablets which include the laws of the Roman city Troesmis Dobrogea and 11 gold spiral bracelets.

The prosecutors highlighted the high criminality involving goods protected by the national patrimony, and to many people this type of crime is less known. To solve crimes involving antiques, the country needs specialized prosecutors, people who have knowledge in antique history, according to prosecutors.

The 49 silver coins were drahma minted under the king Koson – 44 – 29 B.C., a descendant of kind Burebista. The coins are part of the only Dacian coin issuance in silver, and were minted in Sarmizegetusa Regia. The recovery of these coins was possible because of the cooperation between American and Romanian authorities.

Romania so far recovered 13 gold Dacian bracelets, two parade shields, 146 gold Koson coins, 2012 silver Koson coins, 30 gold Lysimachos coins minted at Callatis and Tomis, 73 silver and bronze coins, and Dacian iron tools and weapons, all stolen from Sarmizegetusa Regia and from other Dacian citadels in the Orastie mountains in Central Romania.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: National History Museum on Facebook)