Hiker Finds Rare Roman Coin That's Nearly 2,000 Years Old
It is only the second coin of its kind to ever be found, authorities say.
— -- An Israeli hiker found a rare Roman coin that is nearly 2,000 years old and is only the second coin of its kind to ever be discovered, authorities say.
The hiker, Laurie Rimon, discovered the coin in the northern Galilee area of Israel about two weeks ago. She showed the coin to her hiking guide, Irit Zuk-Kovacsi, who contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority, according to an IAA press release.
"[IAA] very quickly got back to us saying it’s a really, really world class find and they’d like to see it to receive it,” Rimon said in a video posted by the IAA.
The coin was dated back to 107 CE and was part of a series of nostalgic coins that Emperor Trajan minted and dedicated to the Roman emperors that ruled before him, according to the press release.
The 24-karat gold coin reads “Deified Augustus,” with Roman Emperor Augustus displayed on the coin, the Associated Press reported.
"This is an extraordinarily remarkable and surprising discovery," IAA inspector Nir Distelfeld said in the press release. "I believe that soon, thanks to Laurie, the public will be able to enjoy this rare find."
The coin is now in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, according to the AP.