[size=55:2tnldhhb]BNA 07 October 2010

ARCHAEOLOGY - COIN - DISCOVERY
[size=85:2tnldhhb]Most Ancient Coin Found during Excavations of Pagan Necropolis

Archaeologists found what is believed to be a Byzantine miliarense of Emperor Leo III (717-741) during excavations of a proto-Bulgarian settlement in Topola Village, Kavarna Region, Prof. Lyudmila Doncheva said. It is the most ancient coin discovered so far on Bulgarian territory Two similar coins were found in Kyulevcha Village, Shoumen Region. However, they date back to the end of the 8th century, while the new find belongs to the early 8th century. "
We assume that the coin could be related to Khan Tervel, who helped the Arabs in their second siege of Constantinople,"
said Prof. Doncheva. The miliarense was discovered in excavations of a biritual necropolis. The archaeologist explained further that the necropolis was probably set up upon the emergence of the Bulgarian state in 681, when the proto-Bulgarians, led by Khan Asparouh, settled in the lands to the south of the Danube. The necropolis was discovered in 1983. Excavations were suspended in 1993 due to the lack of financing but were renewed this year with the financial assistance of the Culture Ministry.