A simple walk across farmland in Berlin led to an extraordinary discovery linking the city to the ancient Greek world, according to arkeonews.com. In the Spandau district, a 13-year-old student found a small bronze coin later identified as a rare artifact from Troy, dating back around 2,300 years.
The coin, just 12 millimeters wide and weighing about seven grams, was minted between 281 and 261 BC during the Hellenistic period in Ilion. Its design reflects strong Greek influence: one side shows the goddess Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet, while the other depicts Athena Ilias holding a spear and spindle, highlighting its cultural and artistic significance.
Initially, archaeologists questioned whether the object had been recently lost. However, further investigation of the site confirmed its authenticity. Excavations revealed evidence of long-term human activity, including a burial ground with cremated remains, pottery fragments, and objects from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman period, and even Slavic times. This layered context suggests the coin was part of an ancient cultural landscape rather than a modern intrusion.
The find is especially important as it represents the first confirmed Greek antiquity discovered in Berlin, where only Roman artifacts had previously been recorded.
Although its exact journey remains unclear, experts believe it may have traveled along ancient trade routes connecting the Mediterranean with Northern Europe, possibly linked to the amber trade. Given its modest value, the coin may have served a symbolic or ritual purpose, perhaps as a grave offering.
Now displayed at PETRI Berlin, the coin offers a rare glimpse into ancient connections across distant regions.
Source: arkeonews.com
