Two volunteer archaeologists discovered what they believe to be two of the oldest Celtic coins ever discovered in the country while exploring a bog in Switzerland. These may have been offerings to ancient gods.
The two gold coins were minted around 2,300 years ago, around the mid-3rd century B.C. “This makes them part of a very small group of just over 20 known oldest Celtic coins found in Switzerland,” Swiss archaeologists said in a translated version of a statement released on December 18.
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In this case, the gold stator minted during the reign of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was imitated. Both coins feature the profile of the Greek god Apollo on the obverse (obverse) and a chariot with two horses on the reverse (reverse).
However, the two newly discovered coins were slightly modified from the Greek originals. For example, on the smaller backside, a triple helix can be seen under the horse. This symbol, known as the Triskelion (also known as the Triskelion), appears frequently in Celtic art.
Rare coins were discovered primarily by intuition. In 2022-2023, volunteer archaeologists from the local archeology department, Archeology Baselland, discovered 34 Celtic silver coins found in the same area, namely the Bärenfels Bog near the city of Arisdorf. This prompted volunteer archaeologists Wolfgang Niederberger and Daniel Mona of the Baselland Archaeological Institute to carry out a follow-up expedition there in spring 2025, during which they discovered two gold coins, the statement said.
An offering to God?
The statement said the two coins may have been deposited as offerings to the gods.
“Experts speculate that Celtic gold coins were not used for everyday transactions; they were too valuable for that,” the statement said. It may have been used as diplomatic gifts, gifts to supporters, to achieve political goals, or even as a dowry, including the payment of salaries.
Celtic coins are often found near bogs and bodies of water. This pattern is also evident in Arisdorf, where water-filled sinkholes form the Bärenfels Swamp. The statement said it is reasonable to believe that the coins were intentionally placed there as offerings, as the Celts considered such places to be sacred and dedicated to the gods.
Both coins will be exhibited together in a special showcase in Basel from March 2026, along with a silver coin unearthed from the same site.
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