Rare Ancient Coin Unearthed in Shiloh Valley: A Glimpse into the Past

A Piece of History: During an annual school hike last week in the Shiloh Valley of Samaria, a student discovered an ancient coin in the eastern part of the valley.

The student informed the tour guide, who contacted an inspector from the Archaeology Staff Officer unit in the Civil Administration. The inspector arrived at the site where the students were hiking. The coin was handed over and will be preserved in the national treasures.

Agrippa I, grandson of King Herod and Mariamne the Hasmonean, ruled Judea in the 40s CE.

One side of the rare coin displays three ears of grain, while the other reveals a royal canopy surrounded by the inscription "Agrippa the King."

"This is an exciting find," said Hanania Hizzemi, the Archaeology Staff Officer in the Civil Administration. "Every archaeological find has a story behind it that sheds more light on the history of the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. Discoveries like this complete another piece of the historical puzzle of our people."

The other side of the rare coin (Photo: Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories)