Greek coin hoard
repatriated from Switzerland May 31, 2013
Confiscated hoard of 2,400-year-old
coins returned from Switzerland to Greece
ATHENS (AP) -- A hoard of ancient Greek silver
coins seized at a Swiss airport is being repatriated to
Greece, the country's culture ministry says.
A ministry statement Friday said the 118 coins from the
early 4th century BC were confiscated by Zurich airport
customs in November 2011, from a Belgian man permanently
residing in Greece.
The coins are thought to have been originally buried together,
probably for safety during times of unrest, although the
find spot is unknown.
Greece's rich cultural heritage has been plundered for
centuries. In recent years the country has stepped up efforts
to get back illegally exported artifacts from foreign museums
and collections.
The ministry said the coins' return followed an out of
court settlement, but gave no further details. The hoard
was expected in Athens later Friday.