The silver coins were found in a jar during archaeological excavations led by researchers at Pamukkale University, according to a university press release.
The ruins of Aizanoi are located in the modern province of Kutahya in western Turkey.
The coins were found in 2019 and date from the period of Emperor Augustus, who ruled from 44 BC to 14 AD.
He was the first Roman emperor, who took over from Julius Caesar and built an empire that would eventually extend from the United Kingdom to Egypt, boasting on his deathbed that “I found Rome built of bricks and the I left marble “.
Many of the coins feature the face of Augustus, while others bear the likeness of Mark Junius Brutus – one of the leaders of Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC – and some show Caesar himself.
Archaeologists believe the coins may have been brought to Aizanoi by a soldier. Credit: Pamukkale University
Elif Ozer, chief archaeologist and university professor, said the coins were “a very special and unique collection” that may have been brought to Aizanoi by a high-ranking soldier.
Most of the coins appear to have been minted in southern Italy, according to a press release issued earlier this month.
“It’s the most special silver find of recent times,” Ozer added.
In September 2018, at least 300 Roman coins were found in a soapstone pot unearthed in the basement of the Cressoni Theater in Como, north of Milan.
And in October, an ancient Roman coin described as a “naked and brazen celebration” of Caesar’s assassination set a new record for a coin sold at auction.
Bought by an anonymous bidder for £ 2.7 million ($ 3.5 million), the “aureus” coin featured a portrait of Brutus.