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A rare Second Temple period coin was discovered in the Ancient Shiloh archeological site by Juan, a tourist from California visiting the site in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council area.
The coin was handed over to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) for professional cleaning and in-depth analysis to determine its exact date. Both sides bear markings characteristic of coins minted during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus, a Hasmonean king.
This wasn't Juan's first visit to Shiloh, which served as Israel's first sanctuary for 369 years. "I was here four years ago with my wife. We came to pray for a child, just like Hannah in the Bible, because we had been unable to conceive for about 10 years," he said. "A year later, we had an amazing daughter, who is now three years old. It's proof that God always listens to heartfelt prayers."
"The discovery of a coin from the Second Temple period is further evidence of the Jewish people's and Israel's connection to our land in Binyamin,” Mateh Binyamin Regional Council head Israel Ganz said.
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“The Jewish story began here and we continue it. The archaeological site in Shiloh keeps revealing fascinating finds that connect us to our deep roots. We are working to develop the site and make it accessible to thousands of visitors from Israel and around the world," he added.
This discovery adds to a long list of archaeological findings highlighting the site's historical significance over centuries. Beyond being the location of the Tabernacle in the time of Joshua, it was where the land was divided among Israel's tribes, the origin of the Tu B'Av celebrations and tribal unity and the place where Elkanah and his family went to offer sacrifice and where Hannah prayed for a son.
Hannah gave birth to Samuel and brought him to ancient Shiloh, where he grew into a prophet and leader. The site was also home to the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite, who witnessed the kingdom's division.