Lost WWII Gold Treasure Worth Hundreds of Thousands Discovered in Czech Republic

Greek Reporter ^ | April 30, 2025 | Abdul Moeed

[nickcarraway]

A casual hike on the slopes of Zvičina Hill in the Czech Republic led to a remarkable discovery when two hikers stumbled upon a lost gold treasure worth more than $340,000.

The find, made in early February but only recently announced, includes 598 gold coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. The entire collection weighs about seven kilograms, with gold coins accounting for nearly 3.7 kilograms.

While exploring the landscape near the Polish border, the hikers uncovered a tin container packed with nearly 600 gold coins. The coins were carefully stacked in eleven piles and wrapped in black cloth. Not far from this spot, they discovered an iron box containing ten bracelets, a wire purse, a comb, a chain, and a powder compact, made from yellow metal.

Mystery of the buried lost gold treasure

Experts at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia are now working to understand how the treasure ended up buried on the hillside. Vojtěch Brádle, a coin specialist, said he was stunned when he first examined the collection. He explained that, based on their markings, many coins likely originated from Serbia during the 1920s and 1930s. How they made their way to eastern Bohemia remains a mystery.

Grecian Delight supports Greece

Several theories have emerged. Some historians believe Czech citizens may have hidden the treasure while fleeing Nazi occupation after 1938. Others suggest that Germans concealed it before being expelled from the region following World War II in 1945. Another theory ties the burial to the communist monetary reforms of 1953, when fear of financial loss might have driven people to hide their wealth.

Museum director Petr Grulich said it’s unclear whether the gold originally belonged to Czech, German, or Jewish owners, highlighting the unanswered questions surrounding the discovery.

Coins reveal international origins and historical value Further examination has revealed that the gold coins are not of Czech origin. Instead, they come from several countries, including France, Turkey, Belgium, and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, with a few from Romania, Italy, and Russia.

Markings on some Austro-Hungarian coins suggest they were intended for use in the former Yugoslavia, particularly Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although the current market value is mainly based on the weight of the gold, experts believe the historical significance of the find could be far greater. Under Czech law, the two hikers may be entitled to a reward of up to 10 percent of the collection’s value.

The Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové has begun preserving the artifacts. Officials hope to eventually display the collection, allowing the public to connect with a little-known chapter of the region’s past.

[SunkenCiv]

I've had this link in the "On Deck" folder for quite a while, and since this also pertains to Bohemia...

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1278: The Battle for Europe 2021 Documentary Directed by: Fritz Kalteis

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[duckbutt]

With what gold is going for per ounce, $345 K value means it’s only 102 ounces of gold, or a little over 6 pounds —hardly a treasure trove. Unless you own it personally, I guess....

[Only1choice____Freedom]

I wonder how much they really found.

[Freedom4US]

They did the “right thing”? Show your work.

First, only an idiot would melt them down. Coins are self-authenticating to a large degree. Once melted, they are no longer collectible coins, which in some circumstances have a value far and away higher than the gold content. Then, the blobs of good have to be assayed. They are basically a pig in a poke at that point. No Bueno.

Further there is no “black market” required for selling coins. They are saleable everywhere, up front and above board in the “white market”.

[Freedom4US]

They did the “right thing”? Show your work.

First, only an idiot would melt them down. Coins are self-authenticating to a large degree. Once melted, they are no longer collectible coins, which in some circumstances have a value far and away higher than the gold content. Then, the blobs of good have to be assayed. They are basically a pig in a poke at that point. No Bueno.

Further there is no “black market” required for selling coins. They are saleable everywhere, up front and above board in the “white market”.

[Albion Wilde]

I heard you the first time.

Your post implies a level of knowledge about coin dealing that cannot be assumed about whomever stumbled on this horde. There are numerous tales of people literally throwing away a fortune they happened into, due to not understanding the value, wanting an immediate payout, or not having the discipline to work for a higher payout or long-term investment. Joey Coyle, for one. Many lottery winners end up broke.

Others on the thread pointed out the possible legal consequences for trying to keep the coins where it is against the law in most of Europe.

[Freedom4US]

The Law is an Ass. You’re suggesting they did “the right thing”. We’re still waiting ….

[Albion Wilde]

I explained it, but you were deaf to it. There is no help for you, since there can be no world view but yours, as far as you’re concerned.

[Freedom4US]

You danced around it, but couldn’t bring yourself to actually say it.

1. Find buried treasure
2. Give it to the government

I think that’s fairly accurate. LOL

Feel free to make any corrections, by all means.

[bert]

The Jewish owner was gassed at a concentration camp