Türkiye Recovers 83 Roman-Era Coins Smuggled Abroad in Cooperation with the U.S.
On September 28, 2025, a significant cultural milestone was achieved as Türkiye successfully recovered 83 Roman-era coins that had been smuggled abroad. This remarkable feat was made possible through a collaborative effort between Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The handover ceremony took place at the Ankara Republic Museum, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against cultural property smuggling.
The Journey of the Coins
The 83 coins, which date back to the reigns of notable Roman emperors such as Maximianus, Constantine I, Constantine II, and Arcadius, were seized in the United States in 2015. These artifacts were minted in various Anatolian mints during the Roman Empire, representing a rich historical legacy. The restitution of these coins is not just a return of physical objects; it symbolizes a restoration of cultural heritage that had been lost to illegal trafficking.
Bilateral Agreements and Cultural Protection
The successful return of the coins follows a bilateral agreement established in 2021 between Türkiye and the United States aimed at protecting cultural property. This agreement laid the groundwork for the repatriation of the 83 historical coins, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage. The partnership between the two nations serves as a model for future collaborations in the realm of cultural preservation.
Ceremony Highlights
During the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gokhan Yazgi expressed his pride in the swift and effective process that led to the coins’ return. He highlighted the significance of the restitution as a testament to the productive relationship fostered by the 2021 agreement. Yazgi remarked, “Today’s restitution is yet another concrete example of how productive, effective, and successful this agreement has been.” He underscored the importance of international collaboration in combating cultural property smuggling, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial for preserving the integrity of cultural heritage.
The Significance of the Coins
The coins themselves are not merely artifacts; they are significant cultural assets that reflect the political and military dynamism of the Roman Empire. Minted during the third and fourth centuries, they provide invaluable insights into the historical context of the time. Yazgi noted that these coins are emblematic of Türkiye’s rich cultural history and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting such heritage for future generations.
A Broader Context: Over 13,000 Artifacts Returned
Yazgi also highlighted a broader achievement in the realm of cultural heritage protection, noting that over 13,000 artifacts have been returned to Türkiye since 2002. This statistic underscores the ongoing commitment to international cooperation and shared responsibility in the fight against cultural property smuggling. He stated, “This strong cooperation between Türkiye and the United States sets an exemplary model not only for the two countries but also for the international community.”
Future Prospects and Continued Cooperation
Looking ahead, Yazgi expressed optimism about the future of this partnership, believing it will inspire other countries to engage in similar efforts. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to playing a leading role in protecting cultural heritage through strengthened international cooperation.
U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Brian Stimmler echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage cooperation. He described the restitution as a tangible demonstration of long-term bilateral efforts and praised the collaborative work between HSI, Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Turkish law enforcement. Stimmler expressed hope that such cooperation would deepen in the future, further enhancing the fight against cultural property smuggling.
Conclusion
The return of the 83 Roman-era coins is a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of international collaboration and sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at combating cultural property smuggling. Through these efforts, Türkiye and the United States are not only restoring lost artifacts but also reinforcing the value of cultural heritage in our global society.
