Archaeologists have uncovered the first definitively documented hoard of Roman Republic silver denarii in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, a discovery that is expected to provide new insights into contacts between the Roman Republic and the societies beyond its frontiers.
The hoard, consisting of five silver denarii, was discovered in 2025 near Halle (Saale) by volunteer archaeologist Dirk Braungardt. Officials from the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt announced the find on 22 July, describing it as a significant contribution to the study of Roman-era exchange networks in Central Europe.
The coins date to the late Roman Republic. One was minted in 148 BC, while the remaining four were struck between 82 and 79 BC. Archaeologists believe the coins were originally deposited together, possibly in a small purse that was either buried or lost before later being scattered by ploughing, erosion or animal activity.
The discovery marks the first confirmed hoard of Republican denarii ever recorded in Saxony-Anhalt. Until now, only 19 Republican coins had been identified in the region, almost all as isolated finds or acquired through historical collections, making the Halle discovery particularly significant.
Researchers say the find is also important in a wider regional context. Although Republican silver coins are more frequently discovered in neighbouring Thuringia and Lower Saxony, they become increasingly rare further north-east. Only a handful of comparable hoards have previously been recorded in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The five coins show extensive wear, indicating they circulated for many years before reaching what is now eastern Germany. Roman Republican denarii remained legal tender throughout much of the Imperial period and continued to circulate until the end of the first century AD.
Four of the five coins were minted within a remarkably short period between 82 and 79 BC. Three are serrati—denarii distinguished by their serrated edges. The purpose of the unusual design remains debated, with theories suggesting it served to demonstrate the coin’s silver purity, deter clipping or simply provide decorative detail.
Two of the serrati also bear ancient graffiti, adding to the rarity of the discovery. Roman historian Tacitus wrote that Germanic tribes favoured such coins, although archaeologists say existing evidence from Roman coin finds beyond the borders does not strongly support that claim.
Based on the composition of the hoard, researchers believe it likely arrived in the Halle region around the beginning of the first century AD. The absence of later Imperial coins suggests the silver reached the area before Imperial coinage became widespread, although archaeologists caution that this interpretation remains tentative.
As there was no monetary economy in what is now Saxony-Anhalt during this period, the denarii were unlikely to have circulated as currency. Instead, they were probably valued as silver objects carrying both material wealth and social prestige.
Experts believe the coins may have reached the region through long-distance trade, diplomatic gifts, subsidy payments, military activity or exchanges within Germanic communities. Roman military campaigns led by Drusus, Ahenobarbus and the future Emperor Tiberius in the late first century BC and early first century AD have already been traced across Central Germany through coin discoveries, with finds occurring at intervals corresponding to roughly a day’s march for Roman armies.
Recent discoveries of Roman marching camps in Saxony-Anhalt have further highlighted the extent of Roman activity in the region, although those sites are thought to relate to later military campaigns.
Archaeologists say the newly discovered hoard adds an important piece to the archaeological record, demonstrating that even a small collection of coins can provide valuable evidence for understanding the complex economic, diplomatic and cultural connections between the Roman Republic and the peoples living beyond its borders.
Sources : State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
