1500 yr old coins found in Utrecht

A treasure trove of coins dating back to the early Middle-Ages has been discovered under the Domplein in Utrecht. The coins, including 52 golds and 12 silvers, come from the times of the Frankish dynasty, founded by Clovis, which ruled over Gaul and Germany. They were dug up by current works to create an underground museum, which Utrecht is building under the Domplein.

According to the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, the discovery is "unique." The coins serve as proof that Utrecht was already making coins around the year 700. The city is still the home of the Royal Dutch Coin. These coins date back to between 560-700 AD, and are copies of the Frankish coin, the Tremissis, of that time. It shows that the Frisians dominated Utrecht at that time. The treasure also contains several silver Sceattas, coins that were used across a broad network of European coasts. The coin treasure has been insured for a quarter of a million euro. "But the worth if the information is priceless", says one of the town archaeologists on Thursday. The archaeologists expect to find more coins in the city.

The Centraal Museum will be showcasing the coins for three weeks long from Friday onwards.