A recent study has revealed the illegal trade of Carthaginian coins, with a focus on tracing their origins through a combination of numismatic analysis and legal frameworks. Underwater archaeologists from France and Tunisia plucked these 2,000-year-old coins from the Mediterranean. They can be traced back to the immediate post-Second Punic War era. The results underscore the cultural significance and archaeological value of these artifacts. They expose the ongoing battle over their illegal circulation.
These Carthaginian coins we’re examining were issued during or after the Second Punic War. They were mostly shekels, very cheaply made, so that they could be minted to finance military conquests. They bear distinctive images: one side features the goddess Tanit, while the other depicts a horse standing before a palm tree. The recent seizure contained 24 larger, heavier coins of that type. It contained six other smaller ones, all probably from the same Carthaginian mint during the late Second Punic War.
Historical Context of Carthaginian Coins
Historically, Carthaginian coins have been very rare in circulation, found mostly around North Africa, where they were produced. Yet, a few positive models have emerged across Europe, especially in areas like Dalmatia, Menorca, and Croatia. Due to this very limited distribution, their trade and recent market retrievals have come into question.
This detailed analysis of the coins suggests they stopped circulating by 205 BC. In recent decades, there has been a relatively large amount of Carthaginian coins that have gone under the hammer. A number of overlapping factors explain this trend. Demand from collectors and a failure of legislative measures to protect cultural heritage are major factors at play.
According to one of the experts on this case, Prof. Håkon Roland, there are huge complexities regarding the trade of these coins.
“The spike in sales of Carthaginian and other coins since the 1980s can be attributed to multiple interrelated factors, including regime changes, the unregulated and increased use of metal detectors, lack of ad hoc legislation, increased opportunities for criminal activities due to open borders across multiple European countries, and corruption at various levels of law enforcement agencies in areas of Europe and North Africa.” – Prof. Håkon Roland
Methodology of the Study
What’s groundbreaking about the study, though, is their combination of numismatic analysis and legal frameworks to trace their provenance to the coins’ export from the dig. Seven years of research lead to the identification of billon coins from the late Second Punic War. They achieved this through analyzing branding styles, uses patterns, and designs, down to the details like the goddess’s hairstyle on her coins.
This collaborative methodology has given experts further ability in not only authenticating these extraordinary coins but better understanding their historical context. On its most basic level, the researchers found that most of the illegally traded coins did not have any trustworthy provenance information. Prof. Roland shared the difficulties involved with trying to confirm this kind of information.
“One cannot assume that information on the provenience of the coins provided by coin dealers would be credible, particularly if the [coins] were acquired under dubious circumstances.” – Prof. Håkon Roland
These types of findings are key for institutions looking to help fight illegal trafficking and raise awareness about cultural heritage preservation.
The Impact of Conflict on Cultural Heritage
War and social unrest increase the temptation and ability of looters to plunder and smuggle. Prof. Roland used this vulnerability as an example when arguing for Carthaginian coins.
“Regions affected by war, conflict, and social unrest are particularly vulnerable to looting and smuggling of such objects, and organizations such as Interpol, the WCO, UNESCO, ICOM, and Blue Shield are increasingly focused on these issues.” – Prof. Håkon Roland
The impact of conflict on cultural heritage further complicates the work of recovering stolen artifacts. As these conflicts rage on, many artifacts are introduced into illicit markets, stripping them of their historical context and worth.