Metal detectorist Marius Mangeac’s recent discovery of a hoard of ancient Roman coins during a nature walk in southern Romania has captured the attention of historians and local authorities alike. The find, which includes 1,469 coins, was made in a field near Letca Veche, a small village in Romania, and has been turned over to the town hall in Letca Nouă for conservation efforts. Mangeac, who described the moment as a ‘face to face with history’ experience, estimated the coins to be at least 2,000 years old. The hoard is believed to be of significant historical value, offering insight into ancient Roman interactions in the region.
The discovery comes in the wake of a series of other archaeological finds in Romania, with recent attention focused on the area of Breaza in Transylvania. Here, a Dacian treasure dating back to the Roman Empire’s second century A.D. was uncovered by metal detectorists. These findings underscore the historical richness of the region and the importance of preserving such artifacts. Mangeac’s find has also sparked interest in the broader community, with local authorities emphasizing the need to protect and study such historical relics. His intention to take his child to a museum to explain his discovery highlights a personal connection to this significant cultural heritage. As the region’s history continues to surface through such finds, the role of amateur archaeologists and metal detectorists in uncovering the past remains invaluable.