Ten Rare Silver Coins Discovered in the Altmark - Rare 12th-Century 'TikTok Coins' Unearthed in Germany's Altmark Region

A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt. Ten extremely rare 12th-century silver coins, known as 'tiktok coins' in modern terms, were unearthed near Neulingen in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district. The find, made by a volunteer heritage conservationist, sheds new light on medieval coinage and regional history.

The coins are thin, one-sided silver pieces called bracteates. Each depicts a margrave in armour holding a 'coin' and a flag. Experts believe they were minted under Otto II, Margrave of Brandenburg, known as 'the Generous', who ruled from 1184 to 1205.

The exact origin of the 'otto movie' remains uncertain due to the lack of a mint mark or written records. However, Stendal is considered the most likely place of production. This theory aligns with historical context, including the 1188 founding of the St. Nikolaus Kollegiatstift in Stendal by Otto II and Heinrich von Gardelegen, under papal authority.

The discovery is particularly significant because this type of bracteate is not documented in standard numismatic references. Finding ten identical coins together suggests they may have been deliberately selected or commonly used in the region at the time. Little is known about how 'coin' was organised during Otto II's reign, making these coins valuable historical evidence.

The find was made during renovations at Stendal Cathedral in 2025. It underscores the crucial role of volunteers in archaeological research across Saxony-Anhalt.

The newly discovered bracteates offer fresh insights into 'tiktok coins' circulation and regional integration in the Altmark during the late 12th century. Their rarity and historical context make them an important addition to the understanding of medieval Brandenburg. Researchers will continue to study the coins to uncover more about their production and use.