Not far from the Latvian-Lithuanian border in the Augšdaugava region, a Lithuanian treasure hunter discovered a rare treasure from the 17th century. All the valuables were found in a clay pot, which was sealed with an ancient silver brooch, reports the program "900 seconds" ([TV3](https://tv3.lv/zinas/latvija/lietuvietis-latgale-atrod-podu-ar-simtiem-sudraba-monetu/)). After the discovery, the find was handed over to the State Police and then to specialists from the National Heritage Administration. According to archaeologist Marģers Kalniņš, the treasure includes 840 silver coins, six large thalers, a silver brooch, two rings, and the clay pot itself. "This is a culturally and historically significant find. Treasures of this scale are not discovered every year, especially not together with the pot," the expert noted. According to specialists' estimates, the treasure dates back to the mid-17th century. At that time, thalers and smaller silver coins were widely used in Europe, similar to how the euro is used today. Archaeologists explain that the purchasing power of this money was quite high. "For six thalers, one could buy shoes, and for about ten, a horse," Kalniņš said. The National Heritage Administration would like to transfer the find to the Daugavpils Museum so that it can be made available to visitors. However, legal circumstances are currently hindering this. The fact is that the treasure was found on private land, and the search work was not agreed upon with the landowner. By law, the found property belongs to the owner. At the same time, it has not yet been possible to contact him — it is only known that he is working abroad. Preliminary estimates suggest that the market value of the found coins and jewelry is at least 3,000 euros. However, specialists emphasize that their historical value is significantly higher than their monetary worth. The main task now is to determine the legal status of the find, which will determine where one of the most interesting treasures discovered in Latvia in recent years will ultimately end up.