15th Century Coin Hoard Unearthed in Kolomna

During rescue excavations in Kolomna, Russia, archaeologists discovered a remarkable hoard containing 2,600 silver coins from the 15th century. This extensive find, buried in a jug within a shallow pit, dates to the rule of Vasily I or Vasily II. It represents the most substantial collection of its kind ever made available to researchers, providing a unique window into the monetary system of a regional market in the Moscow Principality.

The collection consists primarily of silver dengas, known colloquially as "fish scales" due to their shape. The estimated value of this hoard, approximately 13 rubles, was substantial enough to purchase two houses or an entire herd of horses during that era. Notably, the hoard contains coins with an unrecorded design featuring a flying bird, a discovery that adds significant numismatic value.

This find is particularly important as Kolomna was a major city in the Moscow Principality, second only to Moscow itself. Similar silver coins are exceedingly rare in other regional hoards, and some varieties are absent even from major national museum collections. These excavations, conducted ahead of construction, have yielded thousands of artifacts, enriching our understanding of Kolomna's history. Researchers plan to display the treasure in a local museum after completion of their studies.