Amateur Treasure Hunter Uncovers 1,500 Ancient Roman Silver Coins

Mon 12th May, 2025

Near Letca Noua, approximately 50 kilometers from Romania's capital, Bucharest, an amateur treasure hunter struck gold, or rather silver, last Saturday. Marius Mangeac discovered nearly 1,500 silver denarii from the Roman era while exploring a grassy field.

In a social media post, Mangeac described his quest for physical activity and relaxation in nature, stating, "I never expected this day would surprise me with such an ancient find." The coins, which date back to the Roman Empire, feature the likenesses of notable emperors such as Vespasian, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Mangeac recounted the pivotal moment during his search when his metal detector began to signal. As he dug deeper, he uncovered fragments of pottery and then the coins themselves. He admitted to being overwhelmed by the discovery.

Initially intending to search in a wooded area, Mangeac opted for a field instead due to the dense undergrowth. This decision proved fortuitous, leading to one of the most significant archaeological finds in the region. According to archaeologist Catalin Borangic, the discovery holds substantial historical value, as the sheer number of coins found in one location is remarkable. The expert noted that Roman coins often served as tools of propaganda, disseminating messages of Rome's glory throughout the empire.

After the discovery, Mangeac promptly reported his find to the local authorities in Letca Noua, a small town with a population of around 3,500. The coins were counted in the presence of local police officers, ensuring proper documentation of the treasure.

As per Romanian law, Mangeac will receive a finder's fee for his significant discovery, which could be as high as 45% of the estimated value of the coins. Similar historical finds in the area have been valued at approximately EUR150,000. However, the evaluation process may take several months.

This is not the first major discovery in the region southwest of Bucharest. Two years prior, an ancient warrior's grave filled with treasures was unearthed nearby, leading experts to believe many more historical sites await discovery, potentially revealing further artifacts by enthusiastic amateur archaeologists like Mangeac.


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