Greece returns ancient coin hoard to Turkey in landmark repatriation

·

Greece has returned 1,055 ancient coins, including 61 silver staters, to Turkey after they were confiscated by Greek customs in 2019.

The coins, dated to the 5th century BC, originated from regions such as Pamphylia, Cilicia, and Athens.

During a ceremony at the Numismatic Museum in Athens, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and her Turkish counterpart Mehmet Nuri Ersoy highlighted the importance of international collaboration in combating illegal trafficking of cultural artefacts.

coins greece turkey2
Greece and Turkey’s Ministers of Culture at the coin exchange ceremony.

Both sides confirmed the coins were illegally trafficked from Turkey to Greece, and their return complies with the 1970 UNESCO Convention and a bilateral agreement signed in 2013.

Ersoy praised the repatriation and expressed hope for further cooperation, including the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

Source: AMNA.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Greek Fest at Darling Harbour lights up Sydney in a day of Hellenic celebration

Despite a rain-soaked start, the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney unfolded in full colour on Sunday at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.

Liberals brave the rain and go walkabout at the Antipodes Festival

Umbrellas were up on Lonsdale Street on Sunday as showers swept through the Antipodes Festival, but the rain didn’t deter Liberal politicians.

Cypriot President confirms Iranian drone strike at UK RAF base in Cyprus

An Iranian drone crashed into the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Sunday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has confirmed.

Antipodes Festival recognises The Greek Herald’s 100-year legacy

A proud moment on Lonsdale Street as The Greek Herald was recognised at Antipodes Festival during its centenary year.

St Basil’s pleads guilty to single charge linked to 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria

St Basil’s Homes for the Aged has an update on WorkSafe Victoria court proceedings linked to COVID outbreak at its Victorian aged care home.

You May Also Like

Students recognised for excellence in Modern and Classical Greek at the Dionysios Solomos Awards

Young students were recognised for excellence in Modern and Classical Greek at the Dionysios Solomos Awards on February 27 at Marrickville.

Greece wins historic Women’s Water Polo World Championship gold

Greece secured a historic gold medal at the 2025 Women’s Water Polo World Championships, defeating Hungary 12-9 in the final.

Fremantle’s iconic Nick’s Place closes after 40 years

After four decades of serving late-night crowds in Fremantle, Western Australia, Nick’s Place, has officially closed its doors.