Moskow, Russia | A Sensational Archaeological Discovery of Nearly 20.000 Ancient Coins was Made During the Restoration of a 17th - Century Estate

A sensational archaeological discovery of nearly 20.000 ancient coins, primarily silver, was made in February 2026 during the restoration of a 17th - century estate, the chambers of Averky Kirillov, a historical manor house with rich architectural significance, located opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, on the banks of the Moskow River on the Bersenevskaya Enbankment in the heart of the Russian capital.

The Averky Kirillov Chambers are an architectural ensemble, originally formed between the end of the 15th and 16th centuries, and named after Averky Kirillov, a Duma clerk, merchant and wealthy statesman who rebuilt the halls in the mid – 17th century.

At different times, the building housed the Chamber - College, the Chancellery of Demarcations, the Moskow Treasury Chamber and between 1868 and 1923, the Moskow Archaeology Society. The restoration of the chambers has been carried out since 2024, and during this time, specialists have already reinforced the foundations and cleaned the facades. 

This hoard is considered one of the most significant numismatic finds in recent Russian history, a discovery of coins, which remained buried for several centuries, handed over to specialists for study and restoration of an emblematic architectural complex erected before the reign of Emperor Peter I.

According to the Moskow government website the discovery of this treasure trove of ancient coins occurred when opening the floors of the second floor of the building.

The specialists found a fragmented black ceramic jar and nearly 20.000 white metal coins dated between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is noted that the coins are in an excellent state of preservation, and the stamps are clearly legible. 

Employees of the Moskow Department of Cultural Heritage, along with archaeologists, removed the find. The fragments of the jug were also collected for later restoration.

Key features of this discovery: 

•    Composition and Date: The hoard consists of nearly 20.000 white metal (silver or silver alloy) coins, likely “wire” kopecks, dating back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. They are believed to be from the “Time of Troubles” (1598 – 1613), a period of intense political instability, famine, and chaos.
•    Storage Method: The coins were found hidden inside a ceramic vessel (a black – glazed, polished jug) located on the second floor of the historic merchant residence. 
•     Conditions: Despite being hidden for over 400 years, the coins are in excellent condition, with clear and legible inscriptions. 
•    Context of the Find: The treasure was discovered during routine restoration work on the chambers of Averky Kirillov, a prominent 17th – century statesman, Duma Clerk, and merchant. The building is located near the Moskow River, close to the Kremlin.
•     Historical Significance: The coins provide insights into the economic life, trade, and financial insecurity of the era, as hoarding silver was a common strategy during crises. The specific markings on the coins may indicate they were minted by competing factions during the Time of Troubles.  

In addition to the monetary treasure, fragments of polychrome tiles, a boe whistle and a pectoral cross were discovered during the work. All the artifacts found, after the necessary procedures, will be transferred for permanent preservation to the Moskow Museum.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/en-el-centro-de-mosc-durante-la-restauraci-n-de-unos-aposentos-del-siglo-xvii-se-hall-un-tesoro-de-2/