Ancient Coin Turns Up in Unexpected Place

A 2,000-year-old coin originating from the Carthaginian empire was unknowingly used as bus fare in England. The remarkable discovery highlights the unpredictable paths artifacts can take through history.

History of the Artifact

The coin was produced in what is now Cadiz, Spain, and dates back to the first century B.C. Carthage, a powerful ancient civilization based in North Africa, flourished from approximately 800 B.C. to 146 B.C.

How the Coin Was Discovered

The relic was initially collected in the 1950s by James Edwards, a Leeds City Transport employee responsible for tallying bus and tram fares. Edwards routinely set aside unusual coins – including foreign or counterfeit currency – and took them home.

A Family Treasure

Edwards passed the coin down to his grandson, Peter Edwards, who stored it in a wooden chest for decades. Recently, at the age of 77, Peter Edwards researched the coin’s origins and determined its historical significance.

Peter Edwards' Reflections

“Neither of us were coin collectors, but we were fascinated by their origin and imagery — to me, they were treasure,” Peter Edwards shared. “The coin always fascinated me because it was hard to decipher where it came from.”

Donation to Leeds Museums and Galleries

Peter Edwards ultimately donated the coin to Leeds Museums and Galleries, specifically the Leeds Discovery Center. The museum houses a diverse collection of coins and currency from around the world.

The Mystery of its Journey

While officials speculate the coin may have been brought to Leeds by a returning soldier, its exact path remains unknown. “We will never know for sure,” a Leeds City Council spokesperson stated. Experts were able to identify the coin by cross-referencing it with similar finds.

Coin's Imagery

The Carthaginian coin features the image of Melqart, the Phoenician equivalent of the Greek god Hercules. According to Leeds City Council, Phoenician coins sometimes incorporated Greek imagery to appeal to traders.

A Legacy Preserved

Peter Edwards expressed his belief that his grandfather would be “proud” to know the coin would be displayed in Leeds. He acknowledged, however, “However, how it got there will always be a mystery.”