In the spring of 1960, Aqel Hamdan a farmer from Isfiya ploughed his fields when suddenly he found a few ancient silver coins. Few days later his plough pulled a jar full of silver coins. Additional two jars were found in the same place. Rumors about the treasure spread quickly in the village and hundreds of people start poring to Aqel’s home. However, the celebration did not continue for long since government representatives soon showed up in his door and claimed the treasure.
The jars had about 4,500 ancient silver coins: 3,400 of the coins were Tyrian Shekels, about 1,000 Half-Shekels, and 160 Roman Dinarii of Augustus. The Shekels and Half-Shekels are dated from 40 B.C.E. to 52/53 C.E., the bulk of them from 20-53 C.E. The Roman Dinarii, all of the same type (C43), was minted in the first decade C.E. The coins, most of which are excellently preserved, have been listed for scientific publication. This is the largest hoard of silver coins ever found in the Middle East.
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