Rare Golden Horde Coins Discovered at Ancient Site in Atyrau

Archaeologists from Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University have uncovered rare 13th-century silver coins at the ancient site of Aqtobe-Laeti, Orda.kz reports, citing the Ministry of Science.

The coins date back to the reign of Mengu-Temir Khan, one of the rulers of the Golden Horde, which was established in the Ulus of Jochi.

One side of the coin bears the tamgas (seals – Ed.) of Mengu-Temir, while the other features Chinese characters. This is likely linked to the political hostage Nomukhan, who was captured during conflicts between the descendants of Kublai — himself a descendant of Genghis Khan — and the Ulus of Chagatai," explained archaeologist Amangeldy Mugauly.

In addition to the coins, archaeologists also found an intact clay vessel known as a tagara.

The Atyrau Regional Center for the Study of Historical and Cultural Heritage noted that the 53-hectare settlement has now been fully fenced off.

Plans are underway to turn the site into an open-air museum.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov