US returns looted ancient Jewish coin to Israel
This undated photo, taken in New York, shows a rare, 2,000-year-old Jewish coin that U.S. authorities have returned to Israel nearly two decades after it was looted, smuggled and put up for auction in the United States. (Israel's Antiquities Authority via AP)
JERUSALEM (AP) — American authorities have returned a rare, 2,000-year-old Jewish coin to Israel nearly two decades after it had been looted, smuggled and put up for auction in the United States.
Israel’s antiquities authority and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office both announced the deal on Tuesday.
The quarter shekel, struck in the year 69, is one of just two confirmed to exist. It was minted during the fourth year of the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire.
The artifact was handed over to Israeli officials in a ceremony in New York and flown to Israel thereafter.
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