Historic coins seized in a minibus in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

The estimated value of 103 coins, seized in Istanbul, is 2 million liras. DHA photo

Coins from the Byzantine and Roman eras have been seized from two people in Istanbul, who are now in custody for questioning. The 103 historic coins found are estimated to be worth 2 million Turkish Liras. 

A minibus was searched by police officers in Istanbul’s Kadıköy neighborhood and two Moldovan citizens on board were asked for identity documents after suspicions were raised. Police officers then noticed a nylon bag in the bus and discovered the historic coins in it. 

When asked where they had found the coins, the suspects said that they had taken them from two people they did not know, and they were taken into custody. 

It is estimated that the coins date back to 700-800 years ago in the Byzantine and Roman period.