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

Melbourne University Greek Association hosts third sold-out ball

For the third consecutive year, Melbourne University Greek Association (MUnGA) hosted its sold out university ball, held on Friday, 17 April.

Cyprus Community of NSW secures leading historian for major cultural launch in Sydney

Emilios A. Solomou will join the Cyprus Community of NSW via live link to launch the EOKA Struggle for Liberty Exhibition in Sydney.

Pontic music in focus as Matthaios Tsahouridis to lead Sydney workshop

The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia is set to host a special workshop in Sydney featuring musician Matthaios Tsahouridis.

Why Australians of Cypriot descent are reclaiming their place in the ANZAC tradition

From Greece and Crete to North Africa and Rome, Cypriots fought alongside Australians and their descendants will march again this ANZAC Day.

Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 to unite culture, community and ANZAC tribute

The Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 will bring Adelaide together for a celebration of Greek culture, opening with an ANZAC Day tribute.

You May Also Like

Victoria’s Liberal Leader: Greeks have a lot to offer new migrant communities

Victoria's Opposition Leader, John Pesutto, gave a multicultural press conference at Victoria's Parliament House on Tuesday, April 19.

Philotimo in action: Greece sends five planes of humanitarian aid to Turkey

Greece has sent five planes with humanitarian aid to Turkey to support those injured or displaced by the deadly earthquake on February 6.

Evacuation of about 150 Greeks in Sudan not currently possible, diplomatic sources say

The evacuation of the two injured Greek citizens and about 150 other Greeks trapped in the conflict zone in Sudan is currently not possible.