The silver coins were found in a jar during archaeological excavations led by researchers at Pamukkale University, according to a university statement.
The ruins of Aizanoi are found in the current province of Kutahya, western Turkey.
The coins were found in 2019 and date from the period of Emperor Augustus, who ruled from 44 BC to 14 AD.
He was the first Roman emperor, who replaced Julius Caesar and built an empire that would extend from the United Kingdom to Egypt, boasting on his deathbed: “I found Rome built of bricks and left it out of marble.”
Many of the coins bear the face of Augustus, while others bear the image of Marco Júnio Bruto – one of the leaders in the assassination of Caesar in 44 BC – and some show Caesar himself.
Archaeologists believe the coins may have been brought to Aizanoi by a soldier. Credit: Pamukkale University
Elif Ozer, chief archaeologist and professor at the university, said the coins were “a very special and unique collection”, which may have been brought to Aizanoi by a senior soldier.
Most of the coins appear to have been minted in southern Italy, said the press release published earlier this month.
“It is the most special silver coin find in recent times,” added Ozer.
In September 2018, at least 300 Roman coins were found in a soapstone jar unearthed in the basement of the Teatro Cressoni in Como, north of Milan.
And in October, an ancient Roman coin described as a “naked and shameless celebration” of Caesar’s murder set a new record for a coin sold at auction.
Purchased by an anonymous bidder for £ 2.7 million ($ 3.5 million), the “aureus” coin featured a portrait of Brutus.