Ancient Roman coins restored

TIRANA, August 18 – Some 182 ancient silver coins discovered in Finiq village, southern Albania, have been restored at the Conservation and Archaeometry laboratory in Tirana.
The Venetian coins believed to date back to the 12th century were part of a treasury discovered in Finiq.
“All coins were green and mixed with mud because of the corrosive effects on copper,” said Frederik Stamati, the lab’s director.
The coins have been classified into four categories. Some of them are silver-clad copper coins while other in pure silver.
Restorers said the coins were stamped after being scissored.
“It was a coincidence. The coins are now completely restored in the laboratory, and they will be returned to the Archaeological Institute. When found, the coins could not be studied and the restoration work made in the laboratory was very difficult. After the archaeologists study them, they will decide whether to put them on public display or not,” said Stamati.
Two other treasuries, currently on display at the archaeological museum of Butrint have been found in Finiq surroundings