A diver's discovery of a metallic object near Sardinia's coast led to an incredible find of ancient bronze coins, as reported by Italy's culture ministry on Saturday. Authorities dispatched divers from an art protection unit and the ministry's undersea archaeology department after the diver alerted them about the discovery.

The coins, dating back to the first half of the fourth century, were uncovered in the sea grass not far from the northeastern shore of Sardinia, close to the town of Arzachena. The exact timing of the initial discovery was not specified in the ministry's statement.

The total number of retrieved coins remains undetermined as they are currently undergoing sorting. Initial estimates from the ministry suggest the coins number at least 30,000, potentially reaching 50,000 in total weight.

According to the ministry, the coins are remarkably well-preserved, with even the damaged ones displaying legible inscriptions. Luigi La Rocca, an official from the Sardinian archaeology department, described this treasure discovery as one of the most significant in recent years. He emphasized that the find emphasizes the abundant and important heritage of the seabed, preserving the history of ancient trade and human activities.

The retrieval of the coins involved divers from the fire department and border police. The coins were primarily discovered in a wide sand area between underwater seagrass and the shoreline, indicating the potential existence of nearby shipwrecks due to the seabed's configuration.