In an extraordinary discovery, a father and son from the Triglav Historical and Research Association unearthed a valuable hoard of rare 16th and 17th-century coins near Pomiechówek, Poland. S?awomir and Szymon Milewscy’s find, valued at over $120,000, is among the region’s most significant treasures.
The discovery was part of an exploration led by the Husaria Treasure Hunters Association, initially focusing on locating an ancient Roman trade route. However, the expedition’s direction soon shifted when S?awomir and Szymon stumbled upon 17 silver coins dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
According to archaeologist Piotr Duda, this treasure is a “matter of disbelief.” He emphasized the historic and material value, stating, “This is probably one of the largest finds of its kind ever discovered in Poland, and certainly in Mazovia. The historical significance is beyond measure, and its estimated material value is half a million z?otys.” Duda further highlighted the exceptional nature of the find, noting that “coin deposits have been found from various historical epochs, but not from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their present historical value is indescribable.”
The treasure includes a diverse selection of rare European thalers, originating in regions such as Saxony, Brandenburg, and the Netherlands. Among the notable pieces is a 1630 Sigismund III Vasa thaler minted in Toru?, Poland, which recently fetched around $20,000 at auction. Another rare find is the John II thaler, minted in 1623 in the Duchy of Palatinate. Given its limited minting period, this coin holds immense numismatic value.
The hoard also includes coins from the Spanish Netherlands, such as those from the reign of Albert and Elizabeth, as well as pieces from Saxony featuring leaders like Leopold V, Frederick I, Rudolf II, and Johann Georg I.
The hoard’s origins remain speculative, though Duda offers some intriguing theories. He suggests a connection to the Thirty Years’ War, remarking, “In 1655 there was a battle at Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. The Swedes clashed with the Polish Crown troops of the First Polish Republic.” He speculates that a participant in the conflict might have hidden the treasure, perhaps a mercenary of German descent, as many were hired by both sides.
Another theory posits that a wealthy merchant could have buried the coins for safekeeping. “An inn once stood here,” Duda noted.
“Perhaps something happened, and the person couldn’t return for the deposit. These are all just assumptions.”