13 Gold Coins from Venice Detected in Türkiye with eXp 6000
Detected with
OKM eXp 6000 Professional Plus
Region: Kayseri, Türkiye
Estimated value: EUR 26.000,00
Time of origin: 1382-1413
A treasure hunter discovered 13 Venetian gold coins in Türkiye using the 3D ground scanner OKM eXp 6000. The coins are ducats and zecchini of several Doges of Venice, including Antonio Venier and Michele Steno. Based on their inscriptions, the hoard can be dated to the period between 1382 and 1413.
What makes this find especially fascinating is the distance between the place of minting and the place of discovery: at least 2,000 km (1,243 miles) lie between Venice and Kayseri in Türkiye. This impressive distance is a vivid indicator of Venice’s extensive trade networks and political reach in the late Middle Ages.
Venice: 10 Centuries of Maritime Power
Today’s romantic city of Venice was once a maritime superpower and cultural hub of the Mediterranean. Founded in the 7th century AD, the Republic of Venice evolved into one of the wealthiest and most influential forces in Europe. Venetian fleets dominated trade routes, controlled strategic ports and maintained intense commercial relations with powers such as the Ottoman Empire.
Gold coins like those found in Kayseri are direct witnesses of this era: they crossed borders, seas and cultures, enabling trade in luxury goods, financing political influence and carrying the image of the Doge far beyond the lagoons of Venice.
The Doges of Venice
The Doges were the lifetime leaders of the Republic of Venice from the 8th century until 1797. Initially installed as representatives of the Byzantine Emperor, they gradually became the heads of an independent and ambitious city-state.
Over time, Venice introduced a complex and highly controlled election system to prevent any single family from dominating the republic. The Doge’s power was increasingly restricted by councils and institutions, transforming the position from near-monarchic authority into a ceremonial head of state representing the noble republic.
In 1797, as Napoleon’s troops approached Venice, the last Doge, Ludovico Manin, abdicated shortly after the Great Council was dissolved. With that, more than 1,000 years of Venetian dogeship came to an end.
Antonio Venier – 62nd Doge of Venice
Antonio Venier came from the patrician Venier family, one of the 16 “case nuove” of Venice. The family produced three Doges in total: Antonio, Francesco and Sebastiano Venier.
Elected for life, Antonio Venier ruled from 1382 to 1400. During his tenure, Venice expanded its dominion over territories and islands such as Mykonos and parts of the Duchy of Athens. Trade routes were strengthened and defended, including the strategically important reopening of trade with England.
Of course, his reign was not free of setbacks. In efforts to push back the Ottomans, Venice temporarily lost the province of Argos in the northeastern Peloponnese. However, diplomatic negotiations later brought this territory back under Venetian control. Venier’s reign ended with his death on November 23, 1400.
Michele Steno – 63rd Doge of Venice
Michele Steno, born around 1331, led a politically colorful life. Before his election as Doge, he was involved in conspiracies, but also served as consigliere, admiral and diplomat. Married to Marina Gallina from a tribunician family, he left his mark on Venice’s cityscape – for example through the chapel of San Domenico in San Zanipolo and the famous “Steno window” on the south façade of the Doge’s Palace.
The Great Council elected him Doge only days after Antonio Venier’s death. From 1400 to 1413, Steno’s leadership was characterized by consolidation and expansion: Venice regained Dalmatia, previously ceded to Hungary, and began its expansion on the Italian mainland, the so-called Terraferma.
Under Steno, the number of senators was doubled and the Court of Auditori nuovi alle sententie was established, responsible for legal cases and administrative control in the Terraferma territories. Steno died in 1413, leaving behind a stable, wealthy and prestigious republic.
3D Ground Scanner OKM eXp 6000 Pro Plus Shows Its Capabilities
The 13 Venetian gold coins, estimated at around € 500 to € 2,000 per coin, were discovered by an OKM customer in the province of Kayseri in Türkiye. He relied on the OKM eXp 6000 3D ground scanner, which can detect buried treasures and artifacts – even in vessels – at considerable depths.
The OKM eXp 6000 Pro Plus has already helped users locate objects at depths of up to 25 m. With six operating modes, it is one of the most versatile 3D ground scanners in the OKM portfolio. In addition to three-dimensional visualization of the subsurface, the system can detect cavities and natural ground mineralization – a decisive advantage for professional and ambitious treasure hunters alike.
FAQ: Venetian Gold Coins and OKM eXp 6000
How old are the Venetian gold coins found in Türkiye?
The coins can be dated to the period between 1382 and 1413, based on the Doges depicted: Antonio Venier and Michele Steno. This makes them late medieval Venetian ducats and zecchini.
Why is the discovery in Kayseri, Türkiye, so remarkable?
Because Venice is more than 2,000 km away from Kayseri. The presence of Venetian coins so far from their place of origin highlights the extensive trade routes and influence of the Republic of Venice across the Mediterranean and beyond.
What do the images on the coins represent?
The obverse typically shows the Doge kneeling before Saint Mark, who hands him a banner with the inscription “DVX”, symbolizing his role as Duke. The reverse shows Christ in glory, surrounded by stars, blessing and holding the Gospel, framed by a devotional inscription.
How were these coins found?
The treasure hunter used the OKM eXp 6000 3D ground scanner, a high-end detector capable of locating metallic objects and structures at significant depths. The system’s 3D visualization helped to precisely identify the anomaly that turned out to be the gold coin hoard.
Is the OKM eXp 6000 only suitable for deep finds?
No. While the eXp 6000 can detect objects at depths of up to 25 m, it is equally effective for moderate depths and smaller targets like coin hoards, vessels or jewelry. Its multiple operating modes and probes make it suitable for a wide range of search scenarios.
Do I need special permissions to search for treasures like this?
Yes. Legal requirements vary from country to country. Before using a detector, always clarify local laws, obtain permission from landowners and comply with cultural heritage regulations. Responsible treasure hunting helps protect historical sites and ensures that significant finds are properly documented.
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