A rare ancient coin dating back around 2,500 years has been discovered on a beach in Ashdod, Israel, in what archaeologists say is the first find of its kind in the country.
The coin was found about a month ago by Avi Chaprak, deputy director of Ashdod’s Beaches Department, while he was searching the shoreline for jewellery and other items lost by beachgoers.
Recognising its possible historical value, Chaprak handed the object to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), as required by law.
Coin linked to ancient Salamis
Experts from the IAA identified the artefact as an exceptionally rare silver-plated siglos minted in the ancient city of Salamis on Cyprus’ eastern coast during the mid-fifth century BC, when Cyprus was under Persian rule.
The approximately 11-gram coin initially appeared to be made of solid silver but was actually produced from a base metal covered with a silver layer.
According to Yanniv David Levy, researcher and curator at the IAA’s Coin Department, this technique was known in Cypriot coin production of the period due to silver shortages on the island.
Discovery sheds light on regional trade
One side of the coin features a reclining ram facing left, while the reverse depicts a ram’s head inside a recessed square, alongside a laurel branch and three symbols believed to belong to the ancient Cypriot syllabic script.
Levy explained that large silver coins from the Persian period are rarely found intact, as they were often cut into smaller pieces for local trade.
He said the discovery of a complete coin from a coastal location is unusual and carries particular historical importance.
Evangeline Markou, a specialist in ancient Cypriot coinage at the National Hellenic Research Foundation in Athens, said finds with clear archaeological provenance are uncommon.
She noted that the coin could provide important information about trade connections and movement between Cyprus and the Israel during the period.
Finder honoured for reporting discovery
The Israel Antiquities Authority presented Chaprak with a certificate of appreciation for reporting the discovery.
“For me, it was clear that the coin belonged to our collective heritage, so I immediately delivered it to the Israel Antiquities Authority,” Chaprak said.
He added that contributing to research and understanding the history of the region was a great honour.
Also read: Ancient Cyprus sarcophagus depicts scene from the Odyssey
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