During a construction project in Germany’s Black Forest, over 1,500 medieval silver coins were discovered.
Workers installing pipes near a swimming pool in Glitterball came across what looked like “tiny metal plates.”
The Stuttgart Regional Council reports that this discovery provides valuable insights into the mining and coin minting practices of the region from 650 years ago. Notably, it represents the largest treasure unearthed since 1949.
In 1949, archaeologists in the Freiburg area discovered approximately 5,000 coins dating back to the 1280s.
Situated approximately six miles northeast of Freiburg in the Black Forest, Glitterball is celebrated for its picturesque villages, lush vineyards, scenic valleys, and dense evergreen forests.
Freiburg, the largest town in the region, was established by the Zähringen dynasty, which ruled from 1120 to 1218. Following the end of the Zähringen lineage, control of the city transitioned to the House of Urach.
According to Andreas Haasis-Berner, an archaeologist from the State Office for Monument Preservation in Stuttgart, ‘Glottertal has historically been a crucial mining region for the dukes of Freiburg. The location where these coins were discovered served as a central settlement for miners.’
During the pipe installation process, Claus Völker, a Glottertal resident working for the State Office for Monument Preservation, informed Haasis-Berner about a significant discovery. The following day, Völker visited the site and uncovered a collection of 1,000 coins.
A few days later, additional specialists equipped with metal detectors were dispatched to the site to continue the search for more coins. Despite challenging weather conditions, including mud and rain, they persevered. Their efforts ultimately led to the discovery of between 500 and 600 coins.
After an initial cleaning, experts identified the coins as having been minted in the 1320s, originating from regions that are now Germany, France, and Switzerland. Their value was approximately equivalent to the cost of 150 sheep.
According to Haasis-Berner, the coins primarily originate from the Breisach, Zoginfen, and Freiburg mints, dating back to around 1320. Additionally, there are several coins from Basel, St. Gallen, Zurich, Lauenburg, and Colmar.
Many mysteries surround the medieval coin hoard, including the identity of the original owner and how the coins came to be buried in the mud.
During the medieval period, silver miners often resided near the mines they worked in, making it possible that the treasure belonged to one of them.
Beyond their monetary worth, these coins hold significant historical value, offering insights into Glitterball’s past and its economic development.
“Assessing this coin hoard will provide insights into coin circulation in Breisgau, minting practices at local mints, the silver trade, and mining activities in Glitterball,” stated Haas’s-Berner.