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

Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 program unveiled ahead of Limassol gathering

The official program for the 2026 Cyprus Diaspora Forum has been released, outlining a four-day schedule. Read more.

Dimitris Basis and Newtown Performing Arts close chapter with ‘Final Encore’

Greek vocalist Dimitris Basis has delivered a powerful farewell performance with students from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW confirms 2026 Executive Committee

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & New South Wales has announced its newly elected executive committee for 2026.

Students celebrate Greek culture at ‘Stories of the World’ immersion day in Victoria

The Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria delivered its Stories of the World Immersion Day at the VSL South Oakleigh campus.

Chris Fotinopoulos alleges corporal punishment at Mentone Grammar in the 1970s

Former Mentone Grammar student Chris Fotinopoulos has alleged that he and other students were subjected to punishment and sexual humiliation.

You May Also Like

Maria Skyllas-Kazacos’ invention paves way for planned manufacturing base in Queensland

Maria Skyllas-Kazacos’ work on vanadium batteries could pave the way for a mine which would create about 200 jobs in north-west Queensland.

Grandson of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark steps down from UK royal duties

The Duke of York says he is stepping back from royal duties because the Jeffrey Epstein scandal has become a "major disruption" to the...

Greek PM sends condolences to Israel after dozens killed at religious festival

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences to Israel over the tragedy that unfolded during a religious celebration at Mount Meron.