Hikers shocked to discover gold coins — and they’re worth a fortune: ‘My jaw dropped’

New York Post - May 1st, 2025

In an extraordinary find, two hikers in the Podkrkonoší Mountains of Czechia stumbled upon a cache of gold coins and jewels valued at over $300,000. The treasure, which includes gold objects and coins from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was assessed by Miroslav Novak at the Museum of East Bohemia. The artifacts are believed to have been hidden for more than a century, possibly to keep them safe during turbulent times such as the Nazi annexation of the region. The hikers will receive 10% of the find's value, according to Czech law.

The discovery has sparked historical intrigue, with theories suggesting the treasures were hidden either by refugees fleeing Nazi persecution or by retreating Nazis at the end of WWII. The coins have origins tracing back to various European countries, reflecting the dynamic history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Museum officials plan to display the treasure, highlighting its significant historical value. This discovery underscores the rich, complex history of the region and the enduring allure of hidden treasures.

Archaeology World War Ii Nazi Germany Czechia Podkrkonosi Mountains Miroslav Novak Museum Of East Bohemia Vojtěch Brádle Austro Hungarian Empire Treasure Discovery

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story about the discovery of a treasure trove in Czechia is well-researched and generally accurate, supported by credible sources and expert opinions. It effectively captures public interest with its intriguing narrative and historical context. The article is clear, engaging, and timely, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, it could benefit from greater transparency regarding the basis for some of its claims and a broader range of expert perspectives. While it touches on potentially controversial historical events, it remains focused on the discovery itself, contributing to its balance and readability. Overall, the story successfully informs and engages readers, highlighting the significance of the find and its potential impact on historical research.

Accuracy

The news story about the discovery of a treasure trove in Czechia is largely accurate, with most of the factual claims supported by credible sources. For instance, the location of the find, the Podkrkonošsko Mountains, and the contents of the treasure, including 598 gold coins and various gold objects, are consistent with reported facts. The estimated value of the treasure at over $340,000 aligns with expert assessments. However, some claims, such as the exact historical context and reasons for the treasure's burial, remain speculative. These areas require further verification, as they are based on theories rather than confirmed facts.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including multiple perspectives on the treasure's historical context. It discusses various theories about why the treasure was buried, such as being hidden from Nazis or post-war changes. While the article does not seem to favor any particular theory, it could benefit from including more diverse expert opinions to provide a broader range of perspectives. The inclusion of quotes from museum experts and archaeologists adds depth, but the article could explore more viewpoints on the treasure's significance.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively describes the discovery of the treasure, its contents, and the historical context in which it might have been buried. The use of direct quotes from experts adds clarity and helps convey the significance of the find. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more background information on the historical events mentioned, such as the Munich Agreement and the post-WWII period, to help readers unfamiliar with these events.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources, such as Miroslav Novak, the head of archaeology at the Museum of East Bohemia, and coin expert Vojtěch Brádle. These sources lend authority to the claims made about the treasure's discovery and value. The article also references historical context and expert opinions, which enhances its reliability. However, it primarily relies on a limited number of sources, and additional input from independent historians or archaeologists could further strengthen the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by disclosing the sources of its information, such as experts from the Museum of East Bohemia. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology used to assess the treasure's value and historical significance. While the article mentions theories about the treasure's origin, it does not clarify the basis for these theories or the evidence supporting them. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and help readers understand the basis of the claims.