Kalman's Denar: the oldest medieval coin of the Uzhgorod Castle

The oldest medieval coin, which was discovered during an archaeological study of the Uzhgorod Castle in 2019, was the Hungarian denar, minted during the reign of King Kalman I the Scribe in 1095-1116. In addition to the castle, the researchers studied the ruins of the church of St. George, in the crypts of which in the distant past were buried representatives of the family of feudal magnates Drugeth. One of the crypts was excavated almost completely, inside they found a medallion, clasps, a saber of the XVI century and other items.

King Kalman I of Hungary from the Arpad family proved to be one of the most educated rulers of Europe of his time, for which he received the prefix "Scribe" to his name. At that time, in Hungary, they studied literary works in Latin, wrote laws and chronicles. He was married to Euphemia, the daughter of Vladimir Monomakh, and also tried to consolidate his power in the territory of present-day Transcarpathia. Coins of this king are periodically found by archaeologists on the territory of large settlements of Ancient Russia, including within the borders of Ancient Kiev.