Do you know when history comes alive before your eyes? That's exactly what happened in the City of David in Jerusalem, where a very rare gold coin with the face of Queen Berenice II of Egypt. A tiny but extraordinary find, capable of changing the way we look at the Holy City's past.
This discovery, announced at the City of David's Annual Research Conference, is not only fascinating from a numismatic perspective. It also provides concrete evidence of the strategic and symbolic role Jerusalem played during the Hellenistic period. I'll tell you everything, step by step.
Who was Berenice II, the queen portrayed on the coin?
Berenice II was a rAegina of Ptolemaic Egypt, wife of Ptolemy III and charismatic figure of the 3rd century BC. Known for her political intelligence, her image was minted on a pure gold coin (99,3%), dating back to the period 246–241 BC But why her on a coin found in Jerusalem?
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Why is this coin so rare?
To date, only about twenty coins of this type in the whole world. But there is more: the one discovered in the City of David is the only one ever found in a controlled archaeological excavationThis is why it is so important from a scientific and cultural point of view.
Technical characteristics of the coin
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Reigning represented | Berenice II |
| Period | 246–241 BC |
| Material | Pure gold 99,3% |
| Weight | A quarter of a drachma |
| Iconography front | Portrait of the Queen with veil and diadem |
| Retro iconography | Cornucopia with two stars |
| Registration | “Basilisses Berenikes” – “Of Queen Berenice” |
Where and how it was found
The coin was found during excavations in Givati parking, in the City of David National Park. The discovery was made thanks to Rivka Langler, a volunteer on the excavation, who was sifting the soil when she noticed a shiny object.
“At first I couldn't believe it, but after a few seconds I was running excitedly through the excavation. It's the first time I've found gold!”
A sign of Jerusalem's economic vitality in the Hellenistic period
Until now, it was thought that Jerusalem, after the destruction of the First Temple, was a marginal and poor city. But the discovery of this coin, along with other precious gold artifacts, tells a different story: a lively, connected and recovering city already in the 3rd century BC
Symbolic interpretation of the coin
The reverse of the coin depicts a cornucopia, symbol of abundance, flanked by two stars. The Greek inscription confirms that it is a direct dedication to the queen, as proof of his political importance and perhaps even an autonomous role with respect to her husband king. In fact what is clear is that the queen appears as autonomous figure and not as Ptolemy's wife.
Why is the presence of a woman on coins important?
In the Hellenistic world, it was not common to see queens depicted on coins. The presence of Berenice II with the inscription "of the queen" and not as a simple consort, suggests a active role in the power and administration of the State.
Minted as a gift to soldiers?
According to scholars Robert Kool and Haim Gitler, the coin may have been minted in Alexandria as a reward for soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War. If so, its discovery in Jerusalem could indicate the transit or stay of Ptolemaic troops in the area.
The cornucopia: symbol of abundance
La cornucopia, or "horn of plenty", was often used in classical iconography to represent fertility, prosperity and good fortune. The presence of this symbol on the coin can be interpreted as a propaganda message, aimed at emphasizing the wealth and stability of the Ptolemaic kingdom.
The City of David and its archaeological value
The City of David site has been one of Israel's most important archaeological excavations for years. Every find, like that of this coin, helps us to reconstruct the deep and multi-layered history of JerusalemFrom the kingdom of Judah to the Hellenistic period, every layer of earth tells something.
Archaeological and historical implications
This discovery not only has numismatic value, but also opens new perspectives on the economic, political and cultural exchanges between Jerusalem and the Ptolemaic world. We may be witnessing a new interpretative paradigm for the city's role in the Hellenistic eastern Mediterranean.
Ptolemaic Coins: Rarity and Value
Coins minted during the Ptolemaic reign are today collectibles of the highest value, both for the purity of the metal and for the artistic refinement. Gold ones, like this one, were often used on special occasions: royal gifts, military celebrations, or diplomatic exchanges.
Where the coin will be displayed
The precious find will be exhibited to the public at the beginning of September, during the 26th Annual City of David Research ConferenceAn unmissable event for those who love archaeology and ancient history.
Final houghts
This small coin holds enormous value. Not only does it tell us something about a fascinating and little-known queen, but it also allows us to reconsider Jerusalem's role in an often overlooked period. Sometimes, history is all contained in a few grams of gold.
Share your impressions
What do you think of this discovery? Are you fascinated by the stories behind ancient coins? Let me know in the comments: I'd love to hear your opinion!
Photo credit: Eliyahu Yanai, City of David
