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

Sydney University Greek Society elects its 2026 Committee

The Sydney University Greek Society has elected its 2026–27 committee, with a renewed commitment to deepening cultural engagement.

30,000 Greeks passed through Bonegilla: Why is your story still missing?

“It’s a race against time to preserve these interviews for future generations,” Simon Reich, producer of 'Bonegilla – The Migrant’s Journey', tells The Greek Herald.

Young actors to explore Greek myth in ‘Finding Prometheus’ theatre workshop

Organised by AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc, young performers will bring the myth of Prometheus to life through a creative theatre workshop at AHEPA Hall.

Michael Alexandratos awarded 2026 National Book Collecting Prize

Michael Alexandratos from Roselands, NSW has been awarded the 2026 National Book Collecting Prize for his collection of fugitive literature.

Dimitris Basis to headline special concert with WA Youth Orchestra in Perth

Dimitris Basis will take to the stage in Perth on 26 April with the WA Youth Orchestra for a powerful celebration of Greek music and culture.

You May Also Like

Heavy snow blankets Athens, Greek islands causing major disruptions

Heavy snowfall from the Elpida storm disrupted air and road traffic in the Greek capital of Athens and on the Greek islands on Monday.

Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury

80 years ago, the people of Greece said No to fascism. Greeks would eventually fight alongside Allied forces, including forces from Australia. Greeks and Australians...

Michael Panormitis Pakakis AM: The Greek migrant who aimed for the stars

On January 26th more than 840 Australians, were recognised for their inspirational services to the country. Among them Michael Pakakis.