Hiker Finds Galilee Coin of Gold; Roman Soldier's Spare Change?

A hiker's find in Galilee in northern Israel turned out to be a rare Roman gold coin dating back about 2,000 years, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Laurie Rimon was hiking with friend in eastern Galilee when they came upon an archaeological site, reported the Times of Israel. Rimon said she saw something shiny on the ground and simply picked up the coin from the grass.

The coin has the image of the Roman Emperor Augustus, founder of the Roman Empire, and experts believe it was minted by Emperor Trajan in 107 AD, noted the Times. There is only one other surviving coin similar to it, which is housed at the British Museum in London.

An Israeli Antiquities Authority statement praised the discovery.

"This is an extraordinarily remarkable and surprising discovery," said Nir Distelfeld, an inspector with the authority's unit for the prevention of antiquities robbery. "I believe that soon, thanks to Laurie, the public will be able to enjoy this rare find."

Danny Syon, a senior numismatist at the authority, said the coin was "rare on a global level" and was part of a series of coins minted by Trajan to honor emperors that preceded him.

"The coin may reflect the presence of the Roman army in the region some 2,000 years ago – possibly in the context of activity against Bar Kokhba supporters in the Galilee – but it is very difficult to determine that on the basis of a single coin," said Donald T. Ariel, head curator of the authority's coin department.

"Historical sources describing the period note that some Roman soldiers were paid a high salary of three gold coins, the equivalent of 75 silver coins, each payday. Because of their high monetary value soldiers were unable to purchase goods in the market with gold coins, as the merchants could not provide change for them."

Rimon said while it was not easy to give away the coin she is looking forward to seeing it exhibited, according to CNN International.

"After all, it is not every day one discovers such an amazing object, but I hope I will see it displayed in a museum in the near future." 

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