Gold Celtic Coins Dating Back 2300 Years Found in Switzerland: Details of the Unique Discovery.

According to ТСН: Volunteer archaeologists discovered two unique gold coins approximately 2300 years old in the Bernefeld swamp near the town of Arisdorf. This find is one of the oldest Celtic coins found in Switzerland.

According to information from the local archaeological department, Archaeology Baselland, the discovered artifacts include a gold stater weighing 7.8 grams and a quarter stater weighing 1.86 grams, which were minted in the mid-3rd century BC. Only slightly more than 20 such examples from that time are known to exist in Switzerland.

Historical Significance of the Coins

The design of the coins is derived from ancient Greek art:

• Obverse: a depiction of the profile of the god Apollo.

• Reverse: a chariot with two horses.

The smaller coin also features the symbol triskelion, which is characteristic of Celtic art. Scholars believe that the coins of Philip II of Macedon served as a model for the Celts, who used them to pay Celtic mercenaries in Europe.

Possible Sacred Purpose

Experts believe that these gold coins were likely not used for daily trading, as their high value made them suitable for diplomatic gifts or sacrifices to deities.

The find in the swampy area supports the theory of a ritual purpose for the coins. The Celts considered bodies of water to be sacred places where the world of the living interacted with the afterlife. Earlier, in 2022-2023, 34 Celtic silver coins were discovered in the same area.

The coins were found by volunteers Wolfgang Niederberger and Daniel Monou in the spring of 2025, based on previous successful excavations in this region. The general public will be able to see these rare coins at a special exhibition in Basel, which will open in March 2026.

This discovery highlights the importance of rituals in the lives of the Celts and their perception of the connection with the afterlife. It also adds new dimensions to the material culture of the Celtic settlement period in the region, so visitors to the exhibition can look forward to interesting interpretations and exhibits that will explore this theme.