Divers find Israel's largest ever discovery of ancient gold coins

A massive trove of ancient gold coins was found by divers near Caesarea.

17:32 18 February 2015

At least 2,000 gold coins dating back over 1,000 years were found by divers near Caesarea. It’s the largest gold treasure ever found in Israel and it was discovered by chance off the shore of the ancient port city. The coins were found just 12 metres underwater by a group of scuba divers in February.

Antiquities Authority divers uncovered six kilograms worth of golden coins, which had been exposed due to winter storms.

“The gold coins are in excellent condition, and despite remaining at the bottom of the sea for over 1,000 years, they did not need any conservation lab treatment,” Robert Cole, a coins expert at the Antiquities Authority said.

Some of the coins were bent and had bite marks, indicating a physical authenticity check, according to Cole.

Yaakov Sharvit, head of marine archaeology at the antiquities authority, said: “It may have been on a shipwreck that was carrying tax revenues to the central government in Egypt, or maybe salary payments for Fatimite soldiers guarding Caesarea.”

“It may also have been cash funds aboard a commercial ship that sunk at sea while trading in the area.”