Ancient Israel coin hoard

In 2021 a 6-kilogram lump of 1,700-year-old coins dating to the 4th century CE was discovered on Habonim Beach in northern Israel by a tour guide during a family camping trip. The coins were found 70 meters from the water. Historically the area was a natural mooring used by ancient ships seeking shelter from Mediterranean storms. Ancient vessels were regularly washed ashore along with their cargo during severe storms. Changing sea levels and modern storms reveal their remains.

The coins were agglutinated after years underwater. Contained in a bag, they likely came from a Roman shipwreck.

Archaeological sites are prevalent along the Habonim beach strip, attesting to continuous trade for thousands of years. Habonim beach connects to the ancient port city of Tel Dor, which thrived under the Romans. El Dor is one of the few places where one can trace continuous maritime activity from the 11th century BCE. The natural bays served as a crucial docking point for trade ships navigating the Levantine coast.