The silver coins were found in a jug during archaeological digs led by researchers at Pamukkale University, according to a university press release.
The ruins of Aizanoi can be found in the modern province of Kutahya, in western Turkey.
Found in 2019, the coins date from the period of Emperor Augustus, who reigned from 44 BC to 14 AD.
He was the first Roman emperor to take over from Julius Caesar and build an empire that would eventually stretch from the United Kingdom to Egypt. On his deathbed he said, “I found Rome built of bricks and left it of marble.”
Many of the coins feature the face of Augustus, while others bear the likeness of Marcus Junius Brutus – one of the leaders in Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC – and some show Caesar himself.
Archaeologists believe the coins were brought to Aizanoi by a soldier. Credit: Pamukkale University
Elif Ozer, chief archaeologist and university professor, said the coins were “a very special and unique collection” that may have been brought to Aizanoi by a high-ranking soldier.
Most of the coins appear to have been minted in southern Italy, according to the press release published earlier this month.
“It is the most special silver coin find in recent times,” added Ozer.
In September 2018, at least 300 Roman coins were found in a soapstone jar excavated in the basement of the Cressoni Theater in Como, north of Milan.
And in October, an ancient Roman coin described as a “naked and shameless celebration” of Caesar’s assassination set a new record for a coin sold at auction.
The “aureus” coin, purchased by an anonymous bidder for £ 2.7 million ($ 3.5 million), featured a portrait of Brutus.