Border guards say Ukrainian attempted to smuggle ancient Greek coins to Bulgaria

A Ukrainian citizen attempted to take ancient Greek coins, minted approximately in the 4th-2nd centuries BC, out of Ukraine to Bulgaria.

Ukraine's State Border Guard Service said this in a statement, according to Ukrinform.

"Ancient coins, minted approximately in the 4th-2nd centuries BC, were discovered by border guards of the Izmail detachment at a border crossing point. A Ukrainian citizen, traveling to Bulgaria, attempted to transport them among her personal belongings," the statement said.

The coins are believed to be made of bronze and may have circulated in the territory of ancient Greek Panticapaeum, Macedonia, and the island of Rhodes. The woman did not have any permits authorizing their cross-border movement.

The collection was seized pending a court decision. An expert examination will determine whether the items constitute cultural or historical value.

Photos: Ukraine's State Border Guard Service