Latest news with #EastBohemiaMuseum
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
598 Gold Coins, 10 Gold Bracelets, 17 Sealed Cigar Boxes: Duo Stumbles Upon Treasure During Trek
Last Updated: While hiking in Czech mountains, a duo found a hidden box with 598 gold coins, bracelets, and more—an estimated treasure worth Rs 3 crore Imagine strolling through a lush green forest, soaking in the peace and beauty of nature, when suddenly you spot something unusual – a shiny aluminium box peeking out from between the stones. Intrigued, you move closer. That's exactly what happened with two tourists hiking in the Karkonosze Mountain range of the Czech Republic. What they discovered inside this mysterious box was nothing short of extraordinary. A Box Full of Surprises According to a CNN report, the box contained not just one or two items, but a real treasure trove: 10 gold bracelets, 17 sealed cigar boxes, a powder compact, a comb, and the most astonishing find, 598 gold coins. The total weight of the gold is about 3.7 kilograms (8 pounds), with an estimated value of 8 million Czech Koruna, roughly Rs 3 crore. The cigar boxes, still unopened, may hold even more secrets. A Chance Discovery The two travellers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were taking a shortcut through the forest when they spotted the box lodged between rocks. Curious, they opened it and were stunned by the treasure inside. Without wasting time, they handed the box over to the East Bohemia Museum in the nearby city of Hradec Kralove. Miroslav Novak, head of the museum's archaeological department, shared that the duo arrived unannounced with the treasure. 'Our team immediately began investigating the site where the box was found," Novak said. He confirmed that the entire box was filled with gold and other artefacts. Experts are now trying to determine the age and origins of the treasure. One of the coins is dated 1921, which means it is at least a century old. Novak believes the treasure may have been hidden before the Second World War, possibly around 1945. Interestingly, not a single coin in the collection is of Czech origin. Around half of the coins are from the Balkans, and the rest from France. Some bear markings from the former Yugoslavia, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Locals have their own theories. Some say the treasure may have belonged to the wealthy Spork family of the Kuks estate, while others believe it could have been looted by Czechoslovak soldiers. The museum is continuing its analysis to uncover more details. The true value of the treasure will only be known after the cigar boxes are opened and the other items are examined. As per Czech law, the treasure legally belongs to the local administration. However, the tourists who discovered it are entitled to a reward based on its value. First Published:
News18
21-05-2025
- News18
Tourists Find Hidden Treasure With 598 Gold Coins, Jewels In Forest; Here's What They Did Next
Last Updated: Two tourists in the Czech Republic's Krkonoše Mountains discovered a hidden treasure of gold coins and artefacts, now under investigation by archaeologists What began as a peaceful stroll through the forest turned into a cinematic moment for two tourists when they uncovered a hidden treasure nestled among the stones. Their extraordinary find in the Krkonoše Mountains, located in the north of the Czech Republic, has since captured the attention of archaeologists and historians alike. A Walk In The Forest Turns Unforgettable The two travellers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were exploring the lush, wooded terrain when they noticed a shiny aluminium box partially obscured by stones. Their curiosity piqued, they opened the box, only to be confronted with an astonishing sight. According to a CNN report, the box contained a remarkable assortment of valuable items: The gold coins alone weighed 8 pounds (3.7 kg) and are estimated to be worth 80 lakh Czech Koruna (approximately Rs 3 crore). The cigar boxes remain sealed, adding to the intrigue surrounding the find. Rather than keeping the treasure, the tourists responsibly handed it over to the East Bohemia Museum in Hradec Králové. According to Miroslav Novák, head of the museum's archaeological department, the finders arrived unannounced and presented the treasure to his team, prompting an immediate investigation. Unlocking A 100-Year-Old Mystery Initial studies suggest the coins date back to at least 1921, making the hoard over a century old. Novak believes the treasure was likely concealed either prior to the Second World War or around 1945. Fascinatingly, none of the coins are Czech, half are from the Balkan region and the rest from France. Some even bear markings from former Yugoslavia in the 1920s and 1930s. Residents have speculated on the origins of the hoard. Some suggest it may have belonged to the wealthy Svirts-Shpork family of the Kuks Estate, while others theorise it was loot hidden by Czechoslovak soldiers during turbulent times. The true story, however, remains buried in history, at least for now. Ongoing Investigation And Ownership The museum continues to examine the items, with special attention to the sealed cigar boxes and the composition of the metals. Under Czech law, the treasure is officially the property of the local administration, but the finders are entitled to a reward based on the assessed value. As the investigation continues, this chance discovery offers a captivating glimpse into Europe's complex 20th-century history and a reminder that even today, real-life treasure hunts do exist. First Published: May 21, 2025, 13:08 IST
