Hundreds of ancient Roman gold coins have been discovered on the site of an old theatre in Como in northern Italy.
Archaeologists are studying a stoneware jug containing hundreds of ancient gold Roman coins was unearthed on the site of an old northern Italy theatre, according to reports.
Some of the tender dates back to the 5th century, according to Agence France-Presse.
"We do not yet know in detail the historical and cultural significance of the find," said Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli in a press release. "But that area is proving to be a real treasure for our archeology. A discovery that fills me with pride."
“We do not yet know in detail the historical and cultural significance of this discovery but this area is a real treasure for our archeology,” he said in a Facebook post.
The cultural department tweeted photos of the gold, which can be seen glittering through a crack in the ancient jar.
Officials said they do not want to further destroy the artifact to extract the coins.
The treasure was discovered Wednesday as crews prepared to demolish the Cressoni Theater in Como so a luxury residence could be built in its place.
The historic Cressoni Theater opened in 1807 before transitioning into a cinema and eventually closing in 1997 after it had been converted into a movie house. The site is not far from the Novum Comum forum area, where other important Roman artifacts were discovered, according to the ministry. The find is one of several surprising discoveries of Roman coins in recent years.
That redevelopment project has been put on hold to allow for further excavations, AFP reported.
The coins have been taken to a laboratory for further study, according to euronews.com.
