Skip to main content
SnapScope
EcologyCzech Republic

Hikers Discover Hidden Treasure in Czech Mountains

A pair of adventurers unearths a treasure worth $680,000, sparking curiosity about its history.

By Sara Cincurova and Jonathan WolfeSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

Two hikers exploring the Krkonose Mountains in the Czech Republic made headlines when they stumbled upon gold coins and jewelry valued at approximately $680,000.

In February, while walking in the scenic foothills, the duo spotted something gleaming from a stone wall and uncovered an aluminum can containing 598 gold coins wrapped in black fabric. This remarkable find was reported by Miroslav Novak, the head of the archaeological department at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, which now holds the treasure. Nearby, they also found a metal box filled with golden items, including 16 snuffboxes, 10 bracelets, a comb, and even a powder compact. The total worth of this hidden treasure is estimated at $680,000, with the coins alone valued at around $340,000 and the additional gold items potentially matching that amount. What makes this find particularly intriguing is its recency; the latest coin dates back to 1921, suggesting the treasure was buried within the last century. Unlike typical archaeological discoveries in the region, which usually date back to the Bronze Age or medieval times, this cache offers a fresh historical mystery. Historians and amateur sleuths alike are now trying to piece together who might have hidden this stunning treasure so recently.

Topics

More on this story