Discovery of a Rare Lead Capsule Containing Historical Coins in Downtown Alexandria

As part of the rescue excavation works carried out by the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Downtown Alexandria, archaeologists have uncovered a rare lead capsule embedded within the foundations of a villa. Inside the capsule was a diverse and valuable collection of Egyptian coins dating back to the reigns of Sultan Hussein Kamel and King Fuad I.

The capsule contained thirteen coins of various denominations, ranging from small copper millieme coins to gold coins of 100 piastres. The collection also includes small denominations from the reign of King Fuad I, a rare two-piastre coin from the era of Sultan Hussein Kamel, as well as silver coins of 5, 10, and 20 piastres, and three gold coins of 20, 50, and 100 piastres issued during the reign of King Fuad I — considered among the rarest issues in the history of modern Egyptian coinage.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that this discovery represents an important link in Alexandria’s historical narrative, reflecting the richness and diversity of its cultural heritage, including the contributions of foreign communities that helped shape the city’s cosmopolitan identity.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized that the discovery provides a significant connection between Alexandria’s historical layers, stretching from the Hellenistic and Roman periods to the modern era of foreign communities.

He added that the find highlights the prominent role of the Greek community and its contributions to the city’s cultural fabric, including the preservation of its religious customs and traditions, which blended harmoniously with Egyptian heritage.

The discovery also sheds light on a historical custom of placing foundation deposits inside new buildings to bring blessings and prosperity — a practice deeply rooted in both Greek and ancient Egyptian traditions.

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, explained that the villa in which the capsule was found belonged to the Salvago family, one of Alexandria’s most prominent Greek families, who played a major role in the city’s economic, social, and cultural life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Inside the capsule, archaeologists also found a typed document in Greek, bearing handwritten signatures and prayers, indicating that the foundation stone of the villa was laid on May 1, 1937, by Constantine M. Salvago, with the support of his mother Julia K. Salvago, and under the supervision of French architect Jean Walter. The document reflects the Greek community’s cultural and religious practices in commemorating the founding of their homes.

This discovery comes as part of the Ministry’s commitment to documenting and preserving all aspects of Egypt’s tangible heritage across different periods and to highlighting the contributions of all communities that have shaped Alexandria’s cosmopolitan identity.

The newly discovered coins are set to be exhibited in a special display at the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, serving as a living testament to this unique chapter in the city’s history