Two Hikers Found a Simple Aluminum Can in the Woods Filled With Nearly 600 Gold Coins Worth $330,000

An aluminum can sticking out of a stone wall turned out to hold far more than trash. Two hikers in the Krkonoše Mountains uncovered nearly 600 gold coins and a cache of valuables hidden for decades, with a total value estimated at over $330,000.

The discovery was later examined by experts at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, who quickly realized this was no ordinary find. Finds like this are rare, especially with such a mix of items and origins.

A Simple Can Leads To A Major Find

It all started when the hikers spotted a small aluminum container partially sticking out of a wall. Inside, they found 598 gold coins, neatly stacked in eleven bundles and wrapped in dark fabric. According to information shared in a Facebook post by the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, the surprise did not end there.

Just a few feet away, they uncovered a second container, an iron box filled with gold items. Among them were 16 cigarette cases, 10 bracelets, a silver mesh purse, a comb, and a chain with a key. The entire haul weighed about 15 pounds. The hikers eventually handed everything over to the museum for evaluation.

Coins From All Over Europe

When experts took a closer look, they found the coins found inside the can dated from 1808 to 1915. As explained by the museum specialists, they came from several countries, including France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Italy, Romania, Belgium, and Turkey.

Some coins from Austria-Hungary match systems that were still in use into the 1930s. As noted by Arkeo News, this mix of origins makes it difficult to figure out how all these coins ended up in one place. It suggests the collection was built over time rather than gathered all at once.

Hidden During A Time Of Crisis?

Why the treasure discovered inside the can was buried is still unknown, though experts have some theories. According to Miroslav Novak from the museum, people have long hidden valuables underground during unstable periods, hoping to come back for them later.

“The list of potential reasons for which it was likely buried is fairly clear. It was the beginning of the war, the deportation of the Czech and Jewish populations, then the deportation of the Germans after the war, so there are several possibilities. There was also a monetary reform, which could have also been a reason.”

Another idea, mentioned by the museum’s coin expert, Vojtěch Brádle :

“It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins, whether they were worth 5, 10, or 100 crowns. It’s not about what the coins could buy, that’s not what mattered. It was deliberately hidden because it was precious metal.”

No one knows for sure who the treasure belonged to. The collection is expected to go on display, while the hikers will receive a 10 percent reward for turning it in.

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