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Celtic Quinarii Hoard Unearthed Beneath Former Sports Field in Thuringia
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Discovery of a Celtic Coin Hoard in Thuringia
Archaeologists working for the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology (TLDA) uncovered a hoard of eleven Celtic coins while investigating a former sports field at Singer Berg, a site slated for a new fire-station. Excavation director Ronny Krause reported that the coins were found about 20 feet below the surface, scattered across an area roughly 19 feet by 5 feet, likely due to historic plowing. The find was announced after follow-up excavations conducted in August 2026.
Archaeological Context and Prior Finds
The coins belong to the Prague-type quinarii, a Celtic currency previously identified in only about 80 examples across Thuringia. The TLDA statement noted that this hoard represents the largest known Celtic quinarii assemblage from the first century B.C. in the region. The mint that produced these coins is believed to have been located in the Gotha area, northwest of the discovery site.
Details of the Hoard and Associated Artifacts
In addition to the eleven quinarii, archaeologists recovered a single Roman coin, a medieval glass bead, a knife fragment, another silver coin, and a 19th- or 20th-century Prussian uniform button. The organic container that originally held the coins has decomposed, leaving the metal objects dispersed. The TLDA emphasized that the hoard is classified as a “closed find,” indicating that all items originally buried together have been recovered.
Official Assessment and Implications
TLDA officials highlighted the discovery’s value for mapping ancient trade routes and production centers, stating that the hoard “significantly expands existing knowledge” of Celtic activity in central Germany. They also stressed the importance of preserving archaeological context, contrasting it with isolated metal-detecting finds that lack documentation.
Future Research Plans
The agency plans to continue detailed analysis of the coins and associated artifacts to refine understandings of Celtic minting practices and regional interactions. Results will be integrated into broader databases of Iron-Age material culture to support comparative studies across Europe.