COINS FROM KHELVACHAURI MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Important information for exploring history of Khelvachauri Munici­pa­lity is provided by numismatic findings. In this regard, the hoard of Arabic coins, accidently discovered by Z. Zakaradze, the local resident in his property (Khelvachauri Muncipality) in 2004, is of great interest.  The same year the hoard was purchased by the Batumi Archeological Museum. The hoard consists of 150 silver coins produced in the 8th-9th centuries.

In the middle of twelve century, the Arabs entered the Caucasus. They invaded eastern Georgia, and marched to the West Georgia several times. Consequently, Arabic currency appeared on the Georgian markets. The most popular ones in our region were Kufic coins. There were revealed 4 hoards of coins dated to the 8th-9th centuries, very valuable from the scientific point of view. The hoards proved the fact that Arabic coins had dominated throughout the south-western Georgia from the early 9th century.

The study of the Khelvachauri hoard confirmed that monetary circulation, local and international trading was highly developed in the lower part of the river Chorokhi.