A rare half shekel coin dating back about 2,000 years has been discovered in the Judean Desert during a survey conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in cooperation with government partners. The coin, believed to date to the period of the Great Jewish Revolt against Rome between 66 and 74 of the Common Era, may have been dropped by a rebel fleeing into the desert.

The coin bears the Hebrew inscription Half Shekel alongside a chalice motif, a symbol associated with Jewish coins from the late Second Temple period. The letter Aleph appears above the design, marking the first year of the revolt. The discovery was made as part of an ongoing effort to prevent looting and unauthorized excavations in the region.

In a separate operation, authorities recently seized about 450 ancient and counterfeit coins during a raid on a residence in East Jerusalem. The collection, which included coins from several historical periods, was allegedly intended for illegal sale, with some pieces already set into jewelry.