Two hikers in the Krkonoše Mountains of the Czech Republic stumbled upon a mysterious stash of gold, including 598 coins, 10 bracelets, and 17 cigar cases. The treasure, hidden for nearly a century, was found in an aluminum box protruding from a stone wall. After discovering the valuable items, the hikers brought them to the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové, where experts are now studying the find.
Miroslav Novak, head of the museum's archaeological department, stated that the coins, dated from 1808 to 1921, are mostly of Balkan and French origin, with none from Central Europe. This suggests the stash may have been hidden during a tumultuous period, possibly related to World War II or the post-war era. The total value of the gold coins alone is estimated at $360,000, but the historical significance is considered priceless.
Theories about the stash's origin range from it being hidden by Jewish families during the Nazi occupation to being war spoils of Czechoslovak legionnaires. According to Czech law, the treasure belongs to the local regional administration, and the hikers are entitled to a financial reward based on the treasure's value. The museum plans to display the items in a short exhibition this fall.