(Web Desk ) — A team of archaeologists from the University of Michigan’s Notion Archaeological Project has announced the discovery of a hoard of gold coins from the Persian Empire in western Turkey.

The find, which was made public last week after receiving approval from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was reported by CBS News.

The coins, which date back to the late 6th century BC and were used until the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, feature a unique design of a kneeling archer, a motif commonly associated with Persian currency.

Christopher Ratté, the project’s director, shared details of the discovery, explaining that the hoard was found in a small pot buried beneath a large house in the ancient Greek city of Notion. “It appears that the coins were stored there for safekeeping and, for some reason, never recovered,” Ratté noted.

The discovery was made in 2023, and according to former coin curator Andrew Meadows, it holds significant historical importance. “This is a spectacular find of the highest importance,” Meadows said.

Ratté added that among the find were also coins from the 5th century BC. These coins are expected to provide valuable insights into the chronology and history of the period. “This hoard will provide a firm date that can serve as an anchor to help fix the chronology of the entire sequence of coins,” he explained.

The archaeologists believe the coins were likely hidden during a period of conflict in Notion, a region known for military activity. The treasure may have been abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances, as Ratté remarked, “No one ever buries a hoard of coins, especially precious metal coins, without intending to retrieve it. So only the gravest misfortune can explain the preservation of such a treasure.”