The biggest discovery of gold coins in Israel has been made by scuba divers off the country’s Mediterranean coast. With over 2,000 pieces dating back over a millennium, this trove is a significant find, according to Israel’s antiquities authority. The treasure was found by chance in the ancient harbor of Caesarea by members of a diving club, who initially mistook the coins for toy coins from a game. Weighing 9kg, the coins are considered “priceless” by the authority. The divers quickly realized the coins were authentic and promptly informed the dive club director about their discovery.
The discovery was described as being “so valuable that it is considered priceless.” Experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority revealed that they found close to 2,000 gold coins from the Fatimid Caliphate, which ruled a significant portion of the Middle East and North Africa from 909 to 1171. Kobi Sharvit, the director of marine archaeology at the authority, mentioned that further excavations will be conducted to uncover more information about where the treasure came from. Sharvit speculated that there could have been a shipwreck of a government vessel carrying taxes to Egypt in the area.
One idea is that the collection of coins could have been intended to cover the wages of the Fatimid soldiers based in Caesarea, who were responsible for safeguarding the city.
Another suggestion is that the coins may have belonged to a large merchant vessel that conducted trade with various coastal cities and the port on the Mediterranean Sea before sinking in the area.
The Israeli Antiquities Authority chose not to assign a monetary value to the coins, citing their exposure during winter storms. Yoli Schwartz, a spokesperson, described the discovery as incredibly valuable, even priceless. She clarified that the coins now belonged to the state and that no finder’s fee would be provided.
