Discovery of the Pomiechówek Coin Hoard Offers a Glimpse into Poland's Tumultuous Past

Members of the Polish Association of Searchers “Hussars” have unearthed a rare hoard of 16th and 17th-century coins near Pomiechówek

Members of the Polish Association of Searchers “Hussars” have made a remarkable archaeological discovery. They unearthed a rare hoard of 16th and 17th-century coins near Pomiechówek, in east-central Poland. The discovery is being hailed as one of Poland’s most significant hoard finds, offering a glimpse into the country’s tumultuous past during the Thirty Years’ War and the surrounding periods.

Discovered by Sławomir and Szymon Milewscy during a survey aimed at uncovering a historical trade route dating back to Roman times, the hoard consists of 17 rare coins, mostly from Saxony, Brandenburg, and the Netherlands, and primarily dating from the early 17th century. Among the notable finds is a 1630 Sigismund III Vasa thaler, minted at the Toruń Mint, which is particularly valuable; a similar one in poorer condition fetched £16,500 (approximately $24,500) at a 2023 auction.

The hoard also includes coins from notable European regions and leaders of the time, including Leopold V of Austria, Frederick I of Austria, and Johann Georg I of Saxony, further situating the hoard within the context of Europe’s shifting political landscapes during this era.

The coins predominantly date from the time of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), a devastating conflict that engulfed much of Europe. This period was marked by religious and political strife, and the coins found in Pomiechówek reflect the volatility of the time. The discovery adds another layer of historical value, as it connects to the broader European history of the early 17th century.

The question of why these coins were buried near Pomiechówek remains speculative, but one plausible theory points to the period of unrest in the mid-17th century. The region’s proximity to the 1655 battle between Swedish forces and the Polish Crown at Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki suggests that the hoard may have been buried for safekeeping during a time of war and turmoil.

Piotr Duda, an archaeologist from Triglav, emphasized the significance of the find, calling it “probably one of the largest finds of its kind ever discovered in Poland.” He also noted the hoard’s exceptional material value, which he estimated at around half a million złotys (approximately $124,000).

This discovery is not only important for its monetary value but also for its contribution to the understanding of Poland’s rich historical landscape. The hoard serves as a tangible link to a turbulent period in European history, one that shaped the political and social structures of the time. As experts continue to analyze the coins, it is expected that more insights into the daily life and economy of 17th-century Europe will emerge.