The Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, Deputy Ministry of Culture,organization announces that on Tuesday September 9th 2025, the vice president of “Sophia for Children”, Mrs Nopi Nikolaou Telemachou, handed over 3 ancient coins to Archaeological Officers of the Department of Antiquities, which had been found in the donation box of the charity at Larnaka airport. They consist of a silver tetradrachm of the 2nd century BC, a bronze follis of the 4th century AD and a copper 40-nummi (follis) of the 6th-7th century AD. The coins have been incorporated into the permanent collection of the Cyprus Museum and their registration, digitization and conservation has already begun.
The Department of Antiquities, as the competent authority of the Republic of Cyprus for the protection and management of the island’s archaeological heritage, wishes to express its gratitude to the “Sophia for Children”organization for handing over the antiquities. On the occasion of this handover and given the way in which these antiquities were located, it must be stressed that the trade of antiquities in Cyprus is considered a criminal offence, while at the same time the export of antiquities (and of cultural objects in general) is regulated by the Department of Antiquities. The role of the public and its cooperation has proven to be crucial for the protection and promotion of our archaeological heritage.
