Ukrainian border guards have intercepted a collection of ancient Greek coins at a checkpoint near the country’s southwestern border, preventing their illegal export to Bulgaria. The discovery was made by officers of the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), according to information confirmed by Ukrinform.
The coins, believed to date from roughly the 4th to the 2nd centuries BCE, were found during a routine inspection at one of the checkpoints operated by the Izmail Detachment. Authorities said the artifacts were concealed among the personal belongings of a Ukrainian citizen traveling to Bulgaria.
In a statement cited by Ukrinform, the SBGS said the ancient coins were detected during standard border control procedures. The woman carrying the items reportedly failed to declare them and did not possess any permits authorizing their removal from Ukraine.
“Ancient coins, minted roughly in the 4th–2nd centuries BCE, were detected by border guards of the Izmail Detachment at one of the checkpoints,” the SBGS said. “The Ukrainian citizen, heading to Bulgaria, attempted to carry them among her personal belongings.”
Preliminary assessments suggest the coins are made of bronze, a common material for circulation coinage in the ancient Greek world. Experts believe they may have circulated in the territory of ancient Pantikapaion, a significant city in the Bosporan Kingdom located in today’s Crimea.
In addition to Pantikapaion, specialists say the coins may also be linked to other regions of the ancient Greek world. These include parts of Macedon, as well as the island of Rhodes, both known for distinctive coinage during the Hellenistic period.
Officials stressed that no permits were issued for transporting the coins across the border. Under Ukrainian law, the export of cultural and historical artifacts requires official authorization, particularly for items that may be classified as cultural heritage.
As a result of the violation, the entire collection was seized at the checkpoint. The coins will remain in custody pending a court ruling, which will determine their legal status and the appropriate next steps.
An expert examination has been ordered to assess whether the seized items hold cultural or historical value. Such evaluations are crucial in determining whether artifacts fall under national heritage protection laws.
If experts confirm that the coins are of significant historical importance, they could be transferred to state museums or other authorized institutions. Alternatively, if deemed less significant, courts may still impose penalties for attempting to export undeclared antiquities.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge faced by Ukrainian authorities in combating the illegal movement of cultural valuables. Ukraine’s geographic position makes it a transit route for traffickers seeking to move antiquities across borders into European markets.
Border officials say routine inspections play a critical role in detecting such attempts. Increased training and cooperation with cultural heritage experts have strengthened the ability of guards to recognize potentially valuable artifacts.
The SBGS noted that preventing the illegal export of cultural property is a priority, particularly amid heightened awareness of heritage protection during times of instability. Authorities emphasized that even small items, such as coins, can hold substantial historical significance.
Ukrainian law предусматривает administrative or criminal liability for the unauthorized movement of cultural property across the state border. Sanctions may include fines, confiscation of items, and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
Officials urged travelers to familiarize themselves with customs and cultural heritage regulations before crossing borders. Any items suspected of historical value must be declared and accompanied by the necessary permits issued by relevant authorities.
For now, the seized coins remain under guard as experts begin their assessment. The case serves as a reminder of the enduring value of ancient artifacts and the importance of protecting them from illicit trade.
As investigations continue, border authorities reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural legacy. The outcome of the expert examination and court proceedings will ultimately determine the fate of the ancient coins and any penalties imposed.