2,000-year-old Rare Hasmonean Dynasty Coins Discovered in Israel

Researchers from the University of Haifa have announced the discovery of a rare hoard of Hasmonean dynasty coins in Israel’s Jordan Valley. The collection, consisting of approximately 160 coins, dates back over 2,000 years.

The finding occurred during an archaeological excavation at a location thought to have served as a waypoint for travelers. This location was along an important road that once led to a fortress called Alexandrion, near Jericho in the area now known as the West Bank.

DO YOU WONDER Why they never find any ancient Palestinian coins? Because there never was a Palestine!

*Treasure Trove Of Hasmonean Era Coins Found On Chanukah In Jordan Valley*
-JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In ongoing archaeological excavations taking place in the Jordan Valley… pic.twitter.com/qqQVA4wqVT

— Aaron Tobin (@AaronTobin1) December 29, 2024

Coins linked to King Alexander Jannaeus

Experts determined that the coins were from the rule of King Alexander Jannaeus, who lived between 104 and 76 BCE. He was the grandson of a leader from the famous Hasmonean family, known for their role in Jewish history.

Researchers also believe King Jannaeus built the nearby fortress where the coins were discovered.

Judah Maccabee was a key leader in the fight against the Seleucid Empire in 167 BCE. He led the Maccabean revolt to resist outside influence on Jewish traditions.

The uprising led to the purification of the Temple in Jerusalem, forming the basis for the holiday of Hanukkah, which global Jewish communities celebrate today.

A meaningful discovery during Hanukkah

Researchers noted that the discovery of the Hasmonean-era coins was poignant because it happened during Hanukkah. The students and volunteers participating in the excavation expressed enthusiasm regarding the timing and importance of the discoveries.

Dr. Yoav Farhi, an expert on ancient coins, brought a lighthearted touch to the excavation on Friday. He arrived at the site with chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, a common Hanukkah treat.

According to Dr. Shay Bar of the University of Haifa’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology, Farhi handed them out to the team, saying, “This is so that we will find some coins today.” Just a few hours later, they unearthed the real coins.

Dr. Bar recounted this account to The Times of Israel on Sunday. Dr. Farhi and Dr. Mechael Osband joined him in leading the archaeological excavation. All three scholars from the University of Haifa promptly identified the importance of the find.

Coins likely deliberately hidden

The majority of the coins were of a comparable type, indicating intentional concealment. The coins were likely kept within or behind a wall, possibly in a leather pouch or another material that eventually decayed, according to Dr. Bar.

The coins feature intricate designs and inscriptions that reflect their historical significance. Dr. Yoav Farhi explained that one side of the coins shows an eight-pointed star with an Aramaic inscription reading, “King Alexander Year 25.”

The other side displays an anchor surrounded by the Greek words, “Coin of King Alexander.” Researchers have dated this style to around 80 or 79 BCE, noting its rarity.

The finding holds significant importance, with the 160 coins being one of the largest assemblies of ancient currency uncovered in the Holy Land.

Dr. Shay Bar also shared the discovery of additional coins from the Hasmonean period during the excavation. With these finds, the total number of coins recovered at the site exceeds 200.