The ambassador’s grandchildren—using metal-detection equipment provided for the visit—located five coins that may date from the Bar Kokhba period, the Great Revolt, or the Late Roman era.
'The discovery of the coin hoard may also shed light on the economy of the city of Banias during the last 40 years of Byzantine rule,' noted Dr. Yoav Lerer of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Among the discoveries were hundreds of silver coins, a gold ring bearing the symbol of 'The Good Shepherd' and a gemstone with the symbol of David's harp.