Byzantine gold coin discovered off the coast of Karaburun

An amateur diver discovered a historical gold coin from the Eastern Roman Empire near the Karaburun district of Izmir. The artifact was found at a depth of approximately 2 to 3 meters during a dive in April.

Experts at the Izmir Archaeology Museum identified the coin as belonging to the reign of Emperor John I Tzimiskes, who ruled between 969 and 976. The coin features intricate religious engravings: one side depicts a haloed Jesus Christ holding the Bible and making a sign of blessing, while the other side shows a half-length relief of the Virgin Mary crowning the emperor with her right hand.

Savaş Gürbüz, Director of the Izmir Archaeology Museum, stated that the artifact has been handed over to the museum and will be put on display at an appropriate time. He also noted that under current cultural heritage laws, citizens who find such artifacts are required to report them to local authorities or museums to receive proper documentation and potential compensation.