Persian-era coin from Cyprus surfaces on Israeli beach

A 2,500-year-old Persian-era coin from Cyprus was discovered on an Ashdod beach by Avi Chaprak, deputy director of the Ashdod Beaches Department. The Israel Antiquities Authority identified it as an exceptionally rare silver-plated Cypriot siglos, minted in Salamis around the mid-5th century BCE. This find is unusual due to its complete preservation and coastal discovery, as such coins were often cut for local trade. Dr. Evangeline Markou noted that while Salamis coins circulated widely, those with a clear findspot are rare, making this discovery potentially significant for understanding "trade ties and movement between Cyprus and the Land of Israel."