Recent excavations in the Roman city of Augusta Raurica, located in Augst, Switzerland, have unearthed a bronze coin dating back to the 3rd century BC, marking the first discovery of its kind in the country. The find was announced on November 28, 2024, by officials from the site.
The small coin features the head of Minerva on one side and a horse's head on the other. It was minted in the heart of the Roman Empire in Italy, where such coins are common, but this is a rarity for Switzerland.
Despite being over 2,300 years old, the coin shows remarkably little wear, suggesting it was considered valuable and carefully preserved even in ancient times.
In addition to the coin, archaeologists discovered stone fragments with engraved initials, likely used for reserved seating in the amphitheater by affluent citizens. These findings contribute to the understanding of social structures in Roman society.
One of the inscriptions includes the name 'Marcus,' identified by the letter 'M' on a sandstone fragment, which is believed to have originated from the amphitheater's seating area. Another inscription features the letter 'C,' possibly indicating the name 'Gaius,' suggesting connections to local religious practices.
The excavation site, covering approximately 800 square meters and located about 250 meters from the theater, has yielded several significant artifacts since the beginning of the dig in April 2023, including a terracotta Venus figure and a silvered bronze brooch.