Unique treasures: Ukraine nearly auctioned off IV-V century artifacts (photos) that have no parallels anywhere else in the world.

Law enforcement officials, in collaboration with specialists from a leading historical museum, uncovered an attempt to illegally sell rare artifacts dating back to the 4th-5th centuries. These unique finds, belonging to the nobility of barbarian kingdoms during the Great Migration Period, were being offered for sale through an online auction. This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv police on Thursday, January 30.

The geographical origin of these cultural heritage objects of global significance includes Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe.

Among the seized valuables are a fragment of a male bracelet, a gilded belt end shaped like the head of a predatory bird with a garnet inlay, as well as a silver fibula—a rare clothing fastener that also served as an adornment.

As authorities discovered, two individuals were attempting to sell the ancient artifacts. One of them is a resident of the Kirovohrad region, who was trying to sell the valuables for a pittance. Another seller listed the silver fibula for sale.

According to investigator Oleksandr Sekret from the Shevchenkivskyi police department, there are currently no analogs of these treasures anywhere in the world.

The artifacts, which are not found in any museum worldwide, were traced through advertisements on a collectors' website.

Due to the illegal appropriation of someone else's property, the treasures, which hold special historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural value, have led law enforcement to open a criminal case under part 1 of article 193 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

An art historical examination is currently underway to confirm the authenticity and uniqueness of the seized artifacts. Once the investigation is complete, the finds will be transferred to the National Museum of History of Ukraine for further preservation and study.

Recall that on January 2, border guards in Lviv region discovered 61 gold bars during the inspection of one vehicle found.

On April 12, 2024, there was an attempt to smuggle Ancient Roman coins and an antique book out of Ukraine attempted.