A gold coin depicting an ancient Egyptian queen was found in Israel

Archaeologists have found a miniature gold coin depicting the Egyptian queen Berenice II in Jerusalem. This find dates back to the reign of her husband, Ptolemy III, who ruled Egypt from 246 to 221 BC.

Rare Find in Jerusalem

The coin was likely minted in Alexandria 2,270 years ago. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, it may belong to a collection of coins that were given to soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War, a conflict between the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the Seleucid Empire.

Experts note that this is the only known coin discovered outside of Egypt and during organized excavations. It is also important that the find was made in the City of David — the historical center of ancient Jerusalem.

Excavation Processes

Rivka Langler, leading the excavations at the Givati parking lot site, stumbled upon the coin while sifting through the soil. She described the moment of discovery with enthusiasm, feeling the value of the find.

Image and Inscription on the Coin

One side of the coin features a portrait of Berenice II in a tiara, veil, and necklace. The reverse side shows a cornucopia and two stars, along with the ancient Greek inscription “Basileisses,” which is interpreted as “queen.” This fact opens up possibilities for further research on the political status of Berenice II.

Political Role of Berenice II

Berenice II, married to Ptolemy III, might have been an independent ruler, as suggested by the inscription on the coin. According to information, she became a regent while her husband was engaged in military actions in Syria. Robert Kool, head of the numismatics department at the IAA, commented on her leading role in the area known as Cyrenaica, located in eastern Libya.

Significance of the Find

It is impossible to determine exactly how the coin ended up in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, its discovery indicates that the ancient city had active economic ties with the Egyptian elite. Scientists suggest that Jerusalem began to actively develop during the Persian period and became an important administrative center during the Ptolemaic era.

Archaeological Research

Archaeologists note that historically there was an opinion about the desolation of Jerusalem after the siege by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II. Iftach Shalev, one of the excavation leaders, noted that the coin find is impressive and points to the significance of the city.

Other Archaeological Finds

Additionally, archaeologists in Albania reported the most significant discovery — the first Roman burial chamber, dating back to the 3rd-4th centuries AD. This find highlights the cultural heritage of the region, which was previously part of the Roman Empire.