Archaeologists stumble upon priceless gold coins from the ancient empire in an unusual location

Archaeologists discovered ancient gold coins in an unexpected place during a recent dig in Bulgaria.

The five Byzantine coins, which date from the reign of Justinian the Great, were discovered by archaeologists digging at a site in the northern Bulgarian village of Debnevo.

The excavation was announced by Dr. Stiliyan Ivanov, associate professor at the National Institute of Archeology and Museum, in August. 27.

The village, which is close to a fifth-century fort, has been the site of excavation projects for the past five years.

But researchers were puzzled when they found the coins in the remains of a 10th-century house.

While Justinian had ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 AD, the coinage predated the structure by more than 400 years.

Ivanov told Live Science that medieval builders likely found the coins while building the 10th-century house.

The house burned down later that century, and archaeologists believe the site was abandoned soon after.

Coins would still be considered valuable in the 10th century, and medieval residents likely kept them as heirlooms.

Ivanov told Fox News Digital that he is “very pleased” about the interest in the coins.

Three of the coins are in excellent condition, while two others are glued together.

Archaeologists believe they were probably melted in the fire that destroyed the medieval dwelling.

Justinian’s face is visible in the center of the coins, as is the inscription “Our Lord Justinian Augustus the Perpetual”.

The phrase “August Victory” is engraved on the back of the artifacts.

In addition to coins, archaeologists also discovered axes, sickles and ceramic vessels, in addition to bronze rings.

But the coins were the most disturbing discovery of the dig.

The dig is one of many that led archaeologists to the ancient coins this summer.

In August, researchers found ancient Greek gold coins in what is now western Turkey.

In May, a woman found 2,150 silver coins minted between 1085 and 1107 during a hike in the Czech Republic.