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

George Milonas braces for pre-dawn rush as Christmas crowds flood Queen Victoria Market

Christmas trading is ramping up at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, with up to 240,000 shoppers expected in the lead-up to December 25.

ACT Supreme Court Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson retires after decades of legal service

The ACT Government has paid tribute to Supreme Court Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson following her retirement, recognising her contribution.

Greek MEP Nikos Pappas suspended by Syriza after alleged assault on journalist

Greek MEP Nikos Pappas has been suspended from the left-wing Syriza party and referred to its ethics committee following an alleged assault.

Sydney farewells Bondi victims as leaders pledge action on antisemitism and gun laws

Sydney is continuing to mourn the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack as funerals are held across the city and leaders debate response.

Chrisoula Panagopoulos brings ‘Christmas in Greece’ to The Greek Herald print cover

Congratulations to Chrisoula Panagopoulos, whose beautiful artwork now graces the front cover of The Greek Herald’s 2025 Christmas edition.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Bishops attend reception hosted by Victorian Premier marking start of Lent

The State of Victoria hosted a special reception to mark the beginning of Holy and Great Lent, organised by Premier Jacinta Allan.

Paris Olympian Peter Boukouvalas inducted into Bankstown’s Sporting Hall of Fame

After landing back on home soil, the achievements of local Olympians were recognised in the Bankstown Sporting Hall of Fame. 

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.