Talk about a time capsule of epic proportions! When Spanish construction workers reported to an Andalusian job site for a water line installation, finding a cache of ancient coins was undoubtedly the last thing on their minds.
However, this was exactly what happened when these people showed up in Tomares, Spain to dig a ditch. While digging, they managed to uncover an astonishing haul of 19 storage jars. Many of the coins were in excellent condition, and the total weight for the find ended up at a whopping 1,300 pounds.
Composed mostly of bronze, these coins offer a unique insight into the past. Researchers believe that they hail from around the third century, due to the fact that they are marked with the images of Constantine and Maximian. These powerful emperors would probably be surprised to learn that this secret hoard of coins is now worth a great deal of money, with experts claiming that the total haul could command several million euro.
However, so many questions have arisen from this miraculous find. For instance, how exactly did all of these coins end up in this spot? Although researchers believe that the coins may have been intended for military payments, no one is certain exactly how and why these coins came to be in their amphoras—and to remain buried under the ground for centuries.
While research is being completed on the dig site, the initial construction project has been halted so that authorities can find out more. Until then, this discovery will remain a great mystery.