Two of the oldest gold coins discovered in Switzerland – History

Volunteers discovered two of Switzerland’s oldest Celtic gold coins near Arisdorf, three miles south of the German border. They date back to the second half of the 3rd century BC, and only about 20 are known from Switzerland.

Research shows that the introduction of the monetary system in Central Europe can be traced back to Celtic mercenaries. These men were paid in coins for their services in Greece and took them home with them. Around the middle of the 3rd century BC, the Celts began to imitate the gold coins of King Philip II of Macedonia (359-336 BC) and began their own coinage. The coins depict the head of the Greek god Apollo on the obverse and a chariot (biga) on the reverse. The Celts adapted both patterns in their own unique style. Aristotle’s two gold coins are among these imitations. Coin expert Michael Nick of the Inventory of Swiss Coin Finds (IFS) identified the coin (weight 7.8 grams) as the Gamshurst type and the quarter (1.86 grams) as the Montmorot type. They therefore belong to the more than 20 known oldest Celtic coins in Switzerland, which date from around the middle and second half of the 3rd century BC.

These coins are extremely valuable and cannot be used as regular currency. The Celts may have used them to pay their soldiers, just as the original Greek states used them to pay for their mercenary services in Macedonia. They may also be diplomatic gifts, to obtain political favors or alliances, or as dowries.

The discovery took place on Barrenfells Heath, which could be a clue as to how the gold coins got there. These gold coins were most commonly found in tombs or bogs/bodies of water considered sacred by the Celts. It is believed that the coins were left as offerings.

Since the two gold coins were extremely rare, Guangzhou officials decided to put them on display as soon as possible. In March, they will take part in the ongoing exhibition “Treasure Finds” at the Basel Historical Museum Barfüsserkirche. The exhibition includes 34 Celtic silver coins dating to around 80-70 BC, which were discovered in the Barenfels area in 2022.