The Tell Abraq site where the gold coins were found. SUPPLIED

Archaeologists in the UAE have unearthed ancient gold coins in what is believed to be a pre-Islamic shrine that was also discovered in Umm Al Quwain.

The gold coins are imitations of Roman gold coins and date back to the first century AD. They were unearthed in the ancient Tell Abraq site.

The coins found in Umm Al Quwain bear the image of Roman emperor Tiberius, but his image appeared poorly rendered, experts said. The weight of the coins also varied.

It is not clear where the coins were minted but experts said they are evidence of trade and globalization 2,0000 years ago.

“These coins are among the most important archaeological discoveries of the season,” said Rania Hussein Kannouma, acting director of archaeology and heritage at the UAQ Department of Tourism and Archaeology.

“They are tangible material evidence of the qualitative economic leaps achieved by the Tell Abraq archaeological site,” Kannouma said.

The original Roman coins were minted in France and widely circulated in countries that were part of the extensive Roman trade network. Copies of the coins were often made. ICA/Expat Media

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