A dazzling 2,270-year-old gold coin featuring Queen Berenice II has been uncovered in Jerusalem’s City of David, and it’s a real game-changer! Found in the Givati Parking Lot, this rare quarter-drachma is the first of its kind discovered outside Egypt in a formal dig. With only about 20 such coins known worldwide, this find from 246–241 BCE is a numismatic gem that shines a light on ancient money, power, and Jerusalem’s surprising role in the Hellenistic world.

A Coin Packed with Meaning

This tiny coin, crafted from 99.3% pure gold in Alexandria, Egypt, likely served as a special bonus for soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War (246–241 BCE). Its front shows Berenice II, decked out with a diadem, veil, and necklace, looking every bit the powerful Hellenistic queen. The back features a cornucopia—a symbol of wealth and fertility—flanked by two stars, with the rare Greek inscription “BASILEISSES” (“of the Queen”). This bold title hints that Berenice II wasn’t just a king’s wife but a powerhouse in her own right, a trailblazer for later queens like Cleopatra.

“It’s a gorgeous coin,” says Dr. Robert Kool of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who, alongside Dr. Haim Gitler of the Israel Museum, calls it a one-of-a-kind find. “Only about 20 exist worldwide, and this is the first from a proper excavation.” Its pristine condition and pure gold make it a stunning example of Ptolemaic craftsmanship, where coins doubled as money and royal propaganda.

The Thrill of Discovery

Excavator Rivka Langler found the coin while sifting soil at the Givati Parking Lot. “I saw something shiny and couldn’t believe it was a gold coin!” she shared. “I was running through the site with excitement!” This find, the first of its kind in Jerusalem, rewrites what we thought about the city after the First Temple’s destruction in 586 BCE. Once seen as a quiet, resource-poor town, Jerusalem was clearly bouncing back, with ties to the Ptolemaic Empire through trade or military rewards.

Why This Coin Matters

The coin’s numismatic value is huge. Its rare inscription and depiction of Berenice II show how women could hold serious clout in the Ptolemaic world, a rarity in Hellenistic coinage over its 300-year run (305–30 BCE). Found far from Egypt, it suggests Jerusalem was a lively hub, connected to major centres like Alexandria. According to excavation directors Yiftah Shalev and Efrat Bocher, this coin, along with other 3rd-century BCE finds, proves Jerusalem was thriving under Ptolemaic rule, challenging old ideas of a desolate city.

A Golden Key to the Past

This tiny coin is unlocking new chapters of history, captivating researchers who are piecing together its journey from Alexandria to Jerusalem. For readers in South Africa, it’s a thrilling reminder of how a small artefact can connect us to the ancient world’s stories of power, trade, and remarkable women like Berenice II. As Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu said, “This small find tells a big story about Jerusalem’s rich past.” It’s a golden spark that brings the vibrancy of antiquity to life!