Treasure Trove!

From the Jewish Community Voice, published by the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey December 31, 2008 Ancient coins found in Jerusalem STRIKING GOLD… A cache of ancient gold coins was discovered at a Jerusalem archeological site. More than 250 coins, thought to be 1,300 years old, were found in the excavations at the Givati car park in the City of David. Archeological excavations under the auspices of the Israel Antiquities Authority began in the area two years ago. The coins were discovered on the site of a large seventh century C.E. building that is being uncovered. Since no other pottery vessels were discovered near the hoard, it is suspected that the coins were hidden inside a niche in the building's wall, according to Dr. Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets, the directors of the excavation at the site on behalf of the Antiquities Authority. "This is one of the largest and most impressive coin hoards ever discovered in Jerusalem—certainly the largest and most important of its period," the directors said in a news release. (JTA)