Overview

• University of Haifa archaeologists reported 97 gold coins and dozens of gold earring fragments with pearls, semi-precious stones and glass recovered intact at Hippos (Sussita).
• The coins span the reigns from Justin I (518–527) to early Heraclius (610–613) and include solidi, semisses and tremisses.
• The hoard features a very rare tremissis likely minted in Cyprus around 610 CE, identified as only the second such coin found in Israel.
• Eddie Lipsman, a metal‑detector operator, located the cache in late July, and the team delayed public disclosure until checks confirmed no additional nearby finds and initial conservation was completed.
• Fabric traces indicate a coin pouch, the gold is exceptionally well preserved, and officials call it one of the largest Byzantine hoards found on land in Israel and the largest coin assemblage yet at Sussita.