Treasure Trove of Rare 17th-Century Coins Discovered in Poland

In a remarkable find near the town of Pomiechówek, Poland, a father and son from the Triglav Historical and Research Association, Sławomir and Szymon Milewscy, have unearthed a hoard of rare 16th and 17th-century coins valued at approximately half a million zlotys. Collaborating with the Polish Association of Searchers “Husaria,” the discovery was part of an exploration project initially focused on finding traces of a Roman-era trade route. However, instead of ancient roads, they stumbled upon a treasure trove with immense historical and material value, reports Nauka w Polsce (PAP).

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The Coins: Rare European Thalers and Patagons

The treasure, containing 17 coins in remarkably preserved condition, includes silver thalers and patagons from regions such as Saxony, Brandenburg, Tyrol, and the Spanish Netherlands. The collection spans from 1604 to 1641, representing a blend of European mints from the Thirty Years’ War era.

Among the coins are:

• Sigismund III Vasa thaler (1630) – A rare variety minted at the Toruń Mint in Poland, identical to one that recently sold for over PLN 86,000 ($20,000 USD).
• Thaler of John II, Palatinate-Zweibrucken (1623) – A scarce issue minted for only two years, with designs unique to each year, making it nearly impossible to value in numismatic terms.
• Other notable thalers and patagons include coins of Albert and Elizabeth from the Spanish Netherlands, and those of Leopold V, Frederick I, Rudolf II, and Johann Georg I from Saxony.

Piotr Duda, an archaeologist with the Triglav Association, highlighted the historical significance of the find, explaining that:

“This is probably one of the largest treasures of this type discovered in Poland, especially in the Mazovia region. The rarity and condition of the coins add indescribable historical value beyond their estimated half-million-zloty material worth.”

The finders at the find site near Pomiechówek, Poland. (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Poszukiwaczy “Husaria”)

The Historical Context: Possible Origins of the Treasure

Researchers speculate that the coins might be tied to events surrounding the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) and the subsequent conflicts in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, specifically the Swedish invasion known as the Deluge (1655–1660).

In 1655, Swedish and Polish Crown forces clashed in nearby Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, explains the PAP report, a battle that could have prompted a mercenary or wealthy merchant to bury their assets for safekeeping. Given that soldiers and tradespeople alike frequented the area, the coins may have been hidden by someone with substantial wealth or by a foreign soldier employed as a mercenary during the regional conflicts.

The finders’ spade filled with the coins. (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Poszukiwaczy “Husaria”)

Another theory put forth by Duda suggests that the treasure may have belonged to a merchant seeking to protect his fortune at a local inn, only to be prevented by circumstances from retrieving it. These historical insights add a fascinating layer to the discovery, connecting it to broader narratives of survival and risk amid the upheavals of 17th-century Europe.

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A Treasure That Defies Numismatic Catalogs

The coins’ rarity goes beyond value; some are scarcely documented in numismatic catalogs, emphasizing their uniqueness. For example, the Patagon of Albert and Elizabeth from the Spanish Netherlands, which appeared twice in the collection, showcases variations not commonly found, with no precise date available in catalog entries.

The thalers of Johann Georg I, minted in Saxony in 1612 and 1624, are also examples of coins from a period when European economies and currencies were highly decentralized, resulting in an abundance of unique and localized mint issues.

The thalers and patagons demonstrate a unique cross-section of Europe’s economic and political landscape, each coin representing the influence and reach of various regional powers. The variety of symbols and inscriptions on the coins reflect the intricate interplay of allegiances, trade, and conflicts that defined the era.

Two coins from the collection that span 1604 to 164. (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Poszukiwaczy “Husaria”)

Future of the Find: Preservation and Public Display

The treasure will soon be transferred to the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, where preservation efforts will begin. The Triglav Association has expressed a desire to see the coins displayed locally, ideally within the September Campaign Museum or the Modlin Fortress Museum, to ensure that the cultural heritage remains accessible to the public. This plan aligns with the increasing interest in regional museums to display historical treasures that illustrate the rich and complex history of the Mazovia region.

The Polish Association of Mint Seekers “Husaria” shared their excitement on social media, noting the discovery’s numismatic value and historical significance. They reported that some of the coins, especially the Sigismund III Vasa thaler, are exceptionally rare varieties, made even more valuable by their pristine condition compared to previously auctioned examples.

Top image: Left, finders with the coins, right, the coins by a tree.            Source: Polskie Stowarzyszenie Poszukiwaczy “Husaria”

By Gary Manners