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By:
Team of Hukumindo
Previously, the www.hukumindo.com platform has talk about "Contoh Surat Perjanjian Sewa Peralatan Konstruksi", "Employee Fired for Refusing to Attend Office Party Deemed Boring", you may read also "Indonesia Joins Peace Council to End Gaza Conflict" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'Legal Dispute Over Lava Treasure Discovery'.
The story begins nearly four decades ago, when Felix, his twin sister Ange Biancamaria, and Marc Cotoni, were diving for sea urchins in the waters west of Corsica. Félix Biancamaria, a diver who in 1985 discovered a Roman treasure worth millions of euros. Unexpectedly, they found hundreds of rare gold coins from the 3rd century AD, complete with a Roman gold plate now estimated to be worth up to 8 million euros or around Rp. 160 billion. The find is known as the "Lava Treasure" and is believed to consist of up to thousands of gold coins minted during the reigns of four Roman emperors, including Gallienus and Aurelianus. Experts call it one of the most important monetary treasures from the 3rd century AD ever discovered.[1]
Initially, the coins were sold discreetly at low prices. However, the sale of several rare coins to mainland France attracted the attention of the international numismatic community. Claims that the coins were family heirlooms were eventually debunked after authorities discovered a pattern of repeated dives and the finders' surge in wealth. In 1986, the appearance of dozens of rare aurei on the auction market aroused public suspicion. However, much of the treasure has since been dispersed to private collections in various countries. The total Lava treasure is estimated at up to 1,400 coins and gold medallions, but only 83 have been recovered.[2]
This accidental discovery at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea turned into a major legal case that landed Félix Biancamaria in court. Felix had been convicted in 1994 for selling some of the gold coins. However, the existence of the gold plates was only revealed in 2010, when he was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, carrying the historical objects in his bag. Authorities believed he was trying to sell them illegally, and he was tried on charges of smuggling French national treasures. In France, all treasure found at the bottom of the sea belongs to the state.[3] And if you have any legal issue in Indonesia territory, contact us for business inquiry, feel free in 24 hour, we will be glad to assist you.
*) For further information please contact:
Mahmud Kusuma Advocate
Law Office
Jakarta - Indonesia.
E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com
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References:
1. "Cari Bulu Babi Ketemu Harta Karun Rp 160 Miliar, Malah Diburu Interpol", www.cnbcindonesia.com, Intan Rakhmayanti, CNBC Indonesia, 30 Januari 2026, Diakses pada tanggal 2 Februari 2026, Link: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20260130145132-37-706762/cari-bulu-babi-ketemu-harta-karun-rp-160-miliar-malah-diburu-interpol
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
