A rare silver Siglos coin from ancient Cyprus, dating to the mid-fifth century BCE, surfaced on an Ashdod beach last month, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Sunday.

This marks the first time a coin of this type has been recovered in Israel.

The artifact was spotted by Ashdod Beaches Department Deputy Director Avi Chaprak while he searched the sand for items left behind by visitors.

Chaprak promptly turned the find over to the IAA Coin Department, where experts verified its significance.

At first glance the piece appeared solid silver, yet closer study revealed it was a base metal core plated with silver, a common practice in Cypriot minting at the time due to limited silver supplies on the island, explained Yanniv David Levy, researcher and curator at the IAA Coin Department.

Minted under Persian Rule

Experts traced the coin to the ancient city of Salamis on Cyprus eastern coast. Greek legend holds that the city was founded by the archer Teucer, half-brother of Ajax and a survivor of the Trojan War.

Weighing about 11 grams, the coin was struck while the Persian Empire controlled Cyprus.

One side shows a recumbent ram facing left; the reverse displays a ram head facing left inside a sunken square, accompanied by a vertical laurel branch and three symbols in what is thought to be Cypriot syllabic script.

Coins of this size and value from the Persian era are uncommon in the archaeological record, Levy noted. Large silver pieces were typically cut into fragments for everyday trade, and intact examples are seldom found.

Most evidence of such cutting comes from inland sites, making the discovery of a complete coin on the coast unusual and historically valuable.

Evidence of Ancient Trade Links

Dr. Evangeline Markou, a specialist in ancient Cypriot coinage at the Institute of Historical Research, National Hellenic Research Foundation, observed that Salamis coins from the fifth century BCE circulated across the eastern Mediterranean. Finds with precise locations remain scarce, so this specimen may shed light on trade and movement between Cyprus and the Land of Israel in that era.

Levy agreed, adding that the find spot and prompt reporting give researchers a trustworthy window into economic and maritime connections some 2,500 years ago.

Chaprak received a certificate of appreciation for turning in the coin. He said he felt honored to contribute to the shared heritage and immediately delivered the piece to the IAA.

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu described the discovery as clear proof of maritime and commercial ties between the Land of Israel and Cyprus 2,500 years ago. He praised Chaprak for acting responsibly and called on the public to continue reporting finds so that heritage items can be studied and preserved for future generations.