By Tim Newcomb
Published: January 26, 2025

A recent archaeological excavation in Luxembourg has uncovered a stunning treasure: 141 gold Roman coins dating back to the late fourth century A.D. This discovery offers a unique glimpse into the Roman Empire’s history, its rulers, and its monetary systems.

From Chance Discovery to Major Excavation

The story began in Holzthum village, northern Luxembourg, when amateur archaeologists stumbled upon a single gold coin in a field. This led experts to investigate further, ultimately uncovering the base of a burgus, a Roman fortified observation tower. This structure hinted at the site’s potential to reveal more historical artifacts.

Over four years of meticulous work—complicated by the presence of unexploded World War II-era bombs—the excavation team unearthed the hoard of Roman coins. The project was supported by Luxembourg’s National Institute for Archaeological Research and the Luxembourg Army’s Bomb Disposal Service.

The Hoard: A Timeline of Emperors

The 141 coins, known as solidi, were minted between 364 and 408 A.D. Each coin bears the image of one of nine Roman emperors from this period, showcasing the Roman Empire's leadership over four decades.

The most significant find within the collection is three coins featuring Emperor Eugenius, whose two-year reign (392–394 A.D.) makes such coins exceptionally rare. Eugenius’ tenure as Western Roman Emperor was marked by political intrigue and conflict, including his controversial rise to power and eventual defeat at the Battle of the Frigidus. His brief rule and limited coin production add immense historical and monetary value to the discovery.

The Legacy of the Solidus

The solidus was introduced in the early fourth century A.D. as a standardized gold currency. Known for its consistent weight of 4.5 grams (0.16 ounces), it symbolized stability in the Roman monetary system. The coin’s design and durability ensured its widespread use for centuries, even beyond the fall of the Roman Empire.

Uncovering Cultural Insights

Luxembourg’s National Institute for Archaeological Research highlights the rarity of such a well-preserved hoard found in its original context. Researchers believe studying the coins will reveal why they were buried and what they can tell us about the economic and cultural shifts of the Roman Empire during this period.

What’s Next?

With fieldwork complete, the focus shifts to laboratory analysis. Experts will examine the coins to uncover additional details about their origin, usage, and historical significance. Findings from this research are expected to be published in a comprehensive journal study.

A Treasure Trove of History

This 1,700-year-old discovery is more than just a collection of gold coins. It serves as a tangible link to the Roman Empire, offering insights into its rulers, military history, and cultural practices. As researchers continue to analyze the hoard, this remarkable find promises to deepen our understanding of a transformative era in human history.

Stay tuned for updates as archaeologists reveal more about this extraordinary discovery.