History and coin finds in Georgia,
Sasanian and Byzantine coins from Tsitelitskaro (AD 641)

Medea Tsotselia

Georgia is a land with rich historical, cultural and artistic heritage, and the country with a religion that reaches back over 1 700 years. The history of coin circulation in early medieval East Georgia (Kartli) is illustrated by a large hoard (1 395) found in Tsitelitskaro. The place is located 144 km from Tbilissi (capital of Georgia), in Kakheti region. The spot played an important part in the history of Georgia. Favorable natural conditions, geographical position and certain historical circumstances promoted the early formation and elevation of the region.

The hoard is of a mixed genuine containing silver Sasanian drahms (1 385) and Byzantine hexagrams (10). It is one of the evident examples of coin circulation in Kartli in the 6th – the first half of the 7th cc.

The work is supplied with a map, tables showing frequency distribution of Sasanian coins and is illustrated with 16 plates of photos.

Medea Tsotselia is head of the numismatic department in the Janashia Georgian State Museum.

	Medea Tsotselia. MONETA 26, 92 pages, 16 plates. EUR 120.00 ISBN 90-806616-3-5
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