A Hidden Treasure Discovered: Family Finds 1,500 Medieval Coins During Pool Excavation

Photo byState Office for Monument Preservation in Stuttgart

In the quiet municipality of Glottertal, nestled in the picturesque Black Forest region of Germany, a seemingly routine home improvement project took an extraordinary turn. Claus Völker and his family were in the midst of excavating for a new below-ground swimming pool when they stumbled upon something far more valuable than a backyard upgrade. What started as a simple excavation for pool piping ended with the unearthing of a staggering 1,500 medieval coins, thrilling the local community and captivating historians.

The Excavation Begins

Claus Völker, a resident of Glottertal, was initially focused on the practicalities of installing the new pool. However, during the digging process, he began to notice small metal plates appearing from the trench. Realizing that these were not ordinary pieces of debris, Völker wisely decided to halt the excavation and contact the local authorities. This decision proved pivotal in uncovering a treasure trove of historical significance.

The Discovery Unfolds

Responding promptly to Völker's report, the local council sent a team of certified metal detectors to investigate. Challenging conditions thwarted their initial attempts, as a heavy downpour had transformed the excavation area into a muddy mess. Despite these setbacks, the team persevered, and their efforts were richly rewarded. They recovered approximately 1,000 silver coins from the trench, dating back to the 14th century. The excitement didn’t end there; as the team returned to continue their search, they discovered an additional 600 coins, bringing the total to an astonishing 1,500.

Some of the 1,500 silver coins discovered in the Black Forest region of Germany.Photo byState Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council

Historical Insights

These medieval coins, primarily minted around 1320 CE, provide a fascinating window into the past. Most of the coins hail from the mints of Breisach, Zofingen, and Freiburg, with others from Basel, St. Gallen, Zurich, Laufenburg, and Colmar. The find is significant not only for its size but also for its historical context. During the medieval period, Glottertal was a central hub in Germany’s silver industry, making this discovery a crucial piece of the region’s economic and cultural history.

Archaeologist Andreas Haasis-Berner, who participated in the excavation, emphasized the importance of the find. “You could have bought about 150 sheep with the coins,” Haasis-Berner remarked, highlighting this cache's substantial value and historical relevance. The coins are expected to provide new insights into the minting practices of the Breisgau region, further illuminating the area's rich medieval history.

A close-up of one of the silver coins that archaeologists discovered in Glottertal, Germany.Photo byState Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council

A Remarkable Legacy

The discovery of these 1,500 coins is more than just an archaeological find; it is a glimpse into the past that enriches our understanding of medieval life and commerce. For the Völker family, what began as a routine home renovation has become a historical adventure, underscoring the unexpected treasures hidden just beneath the surface. As researchers continue to study the coins, the legacy of this remarkable find will undoubtedly continue to shed light on the fascinating history of Glottertal and its role in medieval Europe.