While surveying a Swiss bog, two volunteer archaeologists discovered what may be two of the oldest Celtic coins ever found in the country, and they may have been offerings to ancient gods.
The two gold coins were minted almost 2,300 years ago, around the mid-third century B.C. “This makes them part of a very small group of just over 20 known examples of the oldest Celtic coins from Switzerland,” Swiss archaeologists said in a translated statement released Dec. 18.
One coin is a stater that weighs 0.28 ounces (7.8 grams), and the other is a one-fourth stater with a weight of 0.06 ounces (1.86 grams). The term “stater” derives from ancient Greek coins. As mercenaries, the Celts of mainland Europe were increasingly given Greek coins as payment at the end of the fourth century B.C. These coins later served as inspiration for Celtic coinage at the beginning of the third century B.C., when the imitation started, as noted in the statement.
In this case, gold staters minted during the reign of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the great were imitated. Both coins showcase the profile of the Greek
Rare Celtic Gold Coins Unearthed in Switzerland Offer Insights into Ancient Practices
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Two remarkably well-preserved Celtic gold coins have been discovered in Arisdorf,switzerland,adding to a growing collection of artifacts that shed light on the complex economic and ritualistic practices of the ancient Celts. The coins, along with previously discovered silver coins from the same site, will be displayed together in Basel starting in March 2026. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/rare-celtic-gold-coins-found-in-switzerland-offer-insights-into-ancient-practices
Not for Everyday Use: The Value of Celtic Gold
Archaeologists believe these gold coins weren’t used for typical daily transactions. Their high value suggests they served different purposes, including diplomatic gifts, payments to followers, dowries, or as a means to achieve political objectives. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/rare-celtic-gold-coins-found-in-switzerland-offer-insights-into-ancient-practices
The Celts, a diverse group of tribal societies in ancient Europe, minted coins beginning in the late Iron Age, influenced by Greek and Roman examples. However, celtic coinage differed significantly. Unlike the standardized coinage of the Mediterranean world, Celtic coins often featured abstract designs and were produced in varying weights and metals. This suggests a different understanding of currency and value.
Sacred Offerings in Wetlands
The revelation location near moors and bodies of water is notably significant. The coins were found near the Bärenfels bog, formed by water-filled sinkholes. The Celts held such places sacred, dedicating them to their gods. This leads researchers to believe the coins were deliberately deposited as offerings. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/rare-celtic-gold-coins-found-in-switzerland-offer-insights-into-ancient-practices
Ritual deposition of valuable objects in wetlands was a common practice across ancient Europe. These offerings were likely intended to appease deities, ensure good fortune, or mark significant events. The bog environment, being anaerobic (lacking oxygen), often preserves organic materials and metal artifacts exceptionally well, contributing to the survival of these ancient treasures.
The Celts: A Fierce and Complex People
The Celts flourished across Europe for centuries, leaving a lasting impact on language, art, and culture. They were known for their skilled craftsmanship, complex social structures, and fierce warrior traditions. julius caesar famously described them in his Commentarii de Bello Gallico (The Gallic Wars), providing valuable, though frequently enough biased, insights into their society. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion
Want to test your knowledge of these captivating people? Take the Celtic quiz at Live science: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/celtic-quiz-test-your-knowledge-about-these-fierce-tribes-once-described-by-julius-caesar
Looking Ahead
The upcoming exhibition in Basel promises to offer a unique opportunity to view these remarkable celtic coins alongside other artifacts from the Arisdorf site. Further research and analysis of these finds will undoubtedly continue to refine our understanding of Celtic economic systems, religious beliefs, and daily life. The ongoing discoveries in Switzerland and elsewhere demonstrate that the story of the Celts is far from fully told, and new archaeological evidence continues to enrich our knowledge of this influential ancient culture.
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