Story perspectives

450 Ancient Coins Seized: Antiquities Smuggling Cracked Down

2/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), with Israel Police and Border Police, seized 450 ancient coins from an east Jerusalem resident suspected of smuggling antiquities.
The coins were hidden in a flowerpot and dated to Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman periods.
The IAA warned that buying antiquities from dubious sources harms historical research.
Four looters were caught damaging an ancient Roman burial cave in Galilee, an act the IAA stated compromises history.

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Story summary

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), with Israel Police and Border Police, seized 450 ancient coins from an east Jerusalem resident suspected of smuggling antiquities.
The coins were hidden in a flowerpot and dated to Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman periods.
The IAA warned that buying antiquities from dubious sources harms historical research.
Four looters were caught damaging an ancient Roman burial cave in Galilee, an act the IAA stated compromises history.