06.11.2025 13:34
In Switzerland, hundreds of historical coins buried before World War II have surfaced decades later. The collection consists of approximately 500 gold and silver coins. The most valuable piece in the collection is a 349-gram gold coin worth 100 ducats, dating back to the 17th century. This coin has been set with a starting auction price of 1 million Swiss francs (approximately 52 million Turkish lira).
In Switzerland, hundreds of historical coins buried in the ground before World War II have surfaced decades later. A collection consisting of approximately 500 gold and silver coins is going up for auction today at an auction house in Switzerland.
A GOLD COIN WORTH ONE MILLION FRANCS
The most valuable piece of the collection is a 349-gram gold coin from the 17th century, worth 100 ducats. The starting auction price for this rare piece, known as the "Golden Giant," has been set at 1 million Swiss francs (approximately 52 million TL). According to experts, this coin has the potential to be one of the most valuable coins of our time.
HISTORY BURIED IN THE GARDEN
The coins, gathered by a wealthy collector in the 1930s, were hidden in the garden of his home for security reasons due to the threat of Nazi occupation in Europe. It was learned that the collector placed the coins first in small paper bags, then in cigar boxes, and finally in metal chests before burying them in the ground.
However, fate had a bitter outcome; during the entry of German soldiers into Switzerland, the collector suffered a stroke and shortly thereafter passed away. His wife, unaware of the treasure's existence, only mentioned this burial to family members in the 1990s, leading to the mysterious collection being rediscovered.
THE MYSTERY OF THE "TRAVELER'S COLLECTION"
The managers of the auction house, brothers Arturo and Giuliano Russo, named the collection the "Traveler's Collection," refusing to disclose the identity of the seller. The collection contains many valuable coins from different periods of European history.
GOLDEN GIANT: A SYMBOL OF PRESTIGE FOR FERDINAND III
The most striking piece of the collection is a 100-ducat gold coin dated 1629, minted in Prague. It features the portrait of Habsburg ruler Ferdinand III, surrounded by the inscription "FERDINANDVS III D G HVNG BOHEMIAE REX" (King of Hungary and Bohemia by the grace of God).
According to experts, such coins were produced from approximately 350 grams of pure gold and were only kept in royal treasuries. They were not for everyday use but were special pieces symbolizing the prestige of kings and diplomats.