A rare archaeological discovery in Germany has captivated historians: Silver coins dating back to the early 17th century have been found inside a copper cauldron during excavations at Gotthardtkirchplatz in Brandenburg an der Havel, a historic city in northeastern Germany. The treasure is believed to have been hidden around 1634, during the chaos of the Thirty Years' War.

The discovery was made possible by a construction project for a new extension of the Youth Art Gallery Sonnensegel e.V., allowing archaeologists to investigate the site of a former half-timbered house. The building was abandoned and leveled in the 17th century - and now reveals a secret hidden for nearly 400 years.

Rare Coins from Across Europe

The kettle revealed imprints of coins measuring approximately 3 to 4 cm in diameter and 1.5 mm thick. The first coin discovered was a "Dicken" from Zug, Switzerland, dated 1610 and bearing the image of Saint Oswald. This initial find led the team to further sift through excavation debris.

In a remarkable twist, a volunteer monument conservator unearthed a half Dutch Reichsthaler from 1618 - the year the Thirty Years' War began. The final coin found was a city coin from Hamburg, dated 1634, featuring the name of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II, who also ruled as King of Bohemia.

The wide geographic spread of the coins - from Switzerland, through the Rhineland, to Hamburg - raises compelling questions. Why were only three coins buried in such a large kettle? And what prompted the residents to hide them in the first place?

A Treasure That Sparks Questions

This rare silver find adds another chapter to Brandenburg's rich historical tapestry. Yet it leaves behind unanswered questions about life during the Thirty Years' War and the people who lived - and hid their treasures - at Gotthardtkirchplatz.

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