A priceless ancient golden helmet stolen from a Dutch museum has been recovered, Dutch authorities announced on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti helmet, a revered national treasure from Romania’s Dacia civilization, was stolen last year.

Recovery and Display

Prosecutors unveiled the helmet during a press conference in Assen, Netherlands. The artifact was displayed under the guard of heavily armed, balaclava-clad police officers. “We are incredibly pleased,” said Corien Fahner of the prosecution service. “It has been a roller-coaster. Especially for Romania, but also for employees of the Drents Museum.”

The Theft

The helmet was on display at the Drents Museum in January 2025, during the final weekend of a six-month exhibition. Thieves broke into the museum and stole the helmet along with three golden wristbands. Concerns arose that the helmet might be melted down due to its notoriety and distinctive appearance making resale difficult.

Recovered Items and Arrests

Two of the three stolen golden wristbands were also recovered as part of an agreement with three men arrested shortly after the heist. Their trial is scheduled to begin later in April. The thieves used a homemade firework bomb and a sledgehammer to gain entry to the museum, as shown in grainy security footage.

Condition and Reaction

Drents Museum director Robert van Langh reported that the helmet sustained minor damage. “The helmet is slightly dented, but there will be no permanent damage,” he stated. “The armbands are in perfect condition.”

Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu previously described the theft as a “crime against our state” and emphasized the importance of recovering the artifacts.