Workers laying pipe stumble on huge Roman coin trove in Spain

Unearth 19 amphoras containing 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) of the coins -- meant for paying soldiers, civil servants.

This photo made available by the City Council of Tomares on Friday shows some of the 19 amphoras containing thousands of unused bronze and silver-coated coins dating from the end of the 4th century. Workers laying pipes in a southern Spanish park have unearthed a 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) trove of Roman coins in what culture officials say is a unique historic discovery.

Workers laying pipes in a southern Spanish park have unearthed a 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) trove of Roman coins in what culture officials say is a unique historic discovery.

The Seville Archaeological Museum says the construction workers came across 19 amphoras containing thousands of unused bronze and silver-coated coins dating from the end of the 4th century.

Meant to pay soldiers, civil servants

The coins are believed to have been recently minted at the time and had probably been stored to pay soldiers or civil servants.

Museum director Ana Navarro said the discovery this week in the park in the southern town of Tomares outside Seville is unique for Spain and of incalculable value.

The regional cultural department said Friday construction work in the park has been halted while archeologists investigate further.