Ancient bronze coins seized from Greek barber

updated 11:32 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2007

THESSALONIKI, Greece - Police seized hundreds of ancient coins — some dating back 2,300 years — allegedly stashed away by a 70-year-old barber in northern Greece, authorities said Monday.

Police said the bronze coins — believed to have been illegally excavated in the area — were mainly from the Roman and Hellenistic periods. Several bore the likeness of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian warrior king, and his father, King Philip.

The man was arrested Sunday near the town of Veroia, 300 miles north of Athens. He was charged with antiquity smuggling.

Police said they unexpectedly discovered the stash of 2,308 coins while searching the man's home after two robbery suspects told authorities he bought their stolen mobile phones and other items.

Under law, all antiquities found in Greece are state property.

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