September 29, 2025
Eighty-three Roman-era coins, seized in the US in 2015 and confirmed to have been minted in Anatolian workshops, have been returned to Turkey. Deputy Minister of Culture Gökhan Yazgı said the repatriation was carried out through a swift and transparent process.
The return of Turkey’s cultural heritage continues. A total of 83 Roman coins, identified as originating from Anatolia, were handed back to Turkey after being seized in the United States. At a ceremony held at the Republic Museum in Ankara, the coins were officially delivered by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Brian Stimmler to Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı.
Emphasis on cooperation
Deputy Minister Yazgı underlined that the bilateral agreement signed with the US in 2021 has significantly strengthened efforts to protect cultural heritage. “Today’s repatriation is a clear demonstration of how effectively and successfully this agreement is being implemented,” he said.
Cultural value
Yazgı explained that the coins were minted in Anatolian workshops during the 3rd and 4th centuries of the Roman Empire. “These artifacts are valuable cultural treasures that reflect the political and military dynamics of the period,” he noted.
Over 13,000 artifacts recovered
Highlighting Turkey’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural assets, Yazgı stated that more than 13,000 artifacts have been repatriated to Turkey since 2002.
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US Chargé d’Affaires Brian Stimmler described the handover ceremony as a successful example of the long-standing cooperation between the two countries.
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