Archaeologists in Germany uncovered a rare 2,000-year-old Celtic coin hoard while excavating a former sports field ahead of construction of a new fire station. The discovery is the largest known hoard of its kind in the region.

A trove of ancient coins has been unearthed at a construction site in Germany โ€” after remaining hidden for more than 2,000 years.

The discovery, made at Singer Berg in the central German state of Thuringia, was announced recently by the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology (TLDA).ย 

In a translated news release, officials said excavation director Ronny Krause discovered the coins while archaeologists were investigating a former sports field ahead of the construction of a new fire station.

7,000-YEAR-OLD BONES UNCOVERED AT CONSTRUCTION SITE IN STARTLING FIND

Archaeologists conducted follow-up excavations at the site in August 2026 โ€” and confirmed that the 11 coins dated back to the first century B.C.

The hoard represented the largest known Celtic coin hoard from that period ever found in Thuringia.

Archaeologists in Germany uncovered 11 ancient Celtic coins dating back more than 2,000 years during excavations in Thuringia. (Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The 11 coins, dating back to the first century B.C., were identified as a type of ancient Celtic currency known as Prague-type quinarii.

"Until now, only about 80 examples of these quinarii had been identified throughout Thuringia, underscoring the significance of the Singen hoard," the translated statement said.

WORKERS RENOVATING MAJOR CITY STREET STUMBLE ON ANCIENT DISCOVERY BURIED 20 FEET BELOW

"The mint responsible for producing the coins is believed to have been located in the Gotha region, to the northwest."

The Celts were groups of ancient people who lived across much of Europe during the Iron Age, with Celtic languages and traditions surviving today in places such as Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Archaeologists identified the coins as Prague-type quinarii, a form of ancient Celtic currency dating to the first century B.C. (Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The coins were originally buried together in a container made of organic material that has since decomposed, archaeologists believe. The coins were found scattered across an area measuring roughly 19 feet by 5 feet โ€” likely a result of plowing.

Officials described the discovery as a "closed find," suggesting that all the coins originally buried together were recovered.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

While just 11 coins may seem like a modest haul to some, archaeologists consider the discovery a treasure trove of information about the ancient world.

"Through the ongoing mapping of discoveries from the same period and cultural background, researchers can draw conclusions about ancient trade routes and production centers," the translated statement added.

The ancient coins were discovered at Singer Berg in Thuringia, where archaeologists were investigating land ahead of construction of a fire station. (Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

"The Singen treasure hoard has significantly expanded our existing knowledge in this area."

Archaeologists also found an ancient Roman coin and a medieval glass bead โ€” as well as a knife fragment, another silver coin and a Prussian uniform button from the 19th or 20th century.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

Officials also emphasized the broader significance of the discovery and the importance of proper archaeological practices.

"[The] treasure hoard has significantly expanded our existing knowledge in this area."

"This once again demonstrates the importance of preserving the archaeological context of discoveries, in contrast to isolated metal finds recovered, for example, through improper or illegal metal detecting without documentation of their original locations," the statement concluded.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Metal detectorists have made headlines for uncovering other ancient treasures across Europe.

The discovery of 11 Celtic coins in central Germany has provided researchers with new information about ancient trade and currency. (Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Recently, a man using a metal detector in a German field discovered 934 ancient Roman silver coins dating back nearly 2,000 years.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In Finland, a metal detectorist recently uncovered a massive Viking Age silver hoard containing an estimated 4,000 coins, along with jewelry and other artifacts.

Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.

A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more.

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News 
        Privacy Policy
       and 
        Terms of Use
      , and
      agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can
      opt-out at any time.

Subscribed

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!