In a remarkable find, a collection of several denarii and “siekańce” dating back to the early Middle Ages has been donated to the Museum in Ostróda, in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, Poland. Local history enthusiasts from the Iława Search Group made the discovery.
Discovering the Treasure Trove
The cache consists of 13 silver coins and “siekańce,” with the majority being 11th-century cross denarii. One siekaniec stands out as a fragment of a bracteate featuring Pomeranian Duke Sambor, dated to the 13th century. The museum was informed about the discovery on Monday, and the coins were handed over to the museum by the decision of the voivodeship’s conservator of monuments.
Insights into the Past
Archaeologist Łukasz Szczepański from the Ostróda Museum believes that the treasure’s location intriguingly aligns with the recognized settlement structure of the southern part of Lake Jeziorak. This area boasts a Prussian stronghold from the 11th-12th centuries, open settlements, and various earth fortifications attributed to the Prussians.
Metal Detector Revelations
Jacek Drozdowski of the Iława Search Group, the discoverer of the treasure, used a metal detector during one of the group’s weekend expeditions, conducted with the proper permits and landowner consent. The coins were found on an elevation at a depth of approximately 15 cm.
Preserving Local Heritage
Drozdowski expressed pride and joy at the rare find, emphasizing the importance of preserving such artifacts. The Iława Search Group has previously uncovered and contributed various historical items, including Roman sestertii, a fibula, Teutonic Order shillings, and a 17th-18th century coin hoard. The hope is that these discoveries will one day find a home in a local museum in Iława.