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Berlin Displays First Greek Antiquity Found in City With Hellenistic Coin From Ancient Troy

The find hints at ancient links between the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

Overview

  • The coin went on view Wednesday at PETRI Berlin in the first-floor "Current Finds" case.
  • A 13-year-old discovered it on a farm field in Spandau, marking the first recorded Greek antiquity found within Berlin.
  • Specialists dated the bronze to about 281–261 BC and linked it to the Ilion mint of ancient Troy, with Athena shown on both sides.
  • A site survey found cremation remains, pottery and a bronze double button that identify a Bronze or early Iron Age burial field later reused in Roman and Slavic periods.
  • Researchers say the coin’s route north is unknown, and its low value and grave context point to a symbolic deposit rather than use as money.