Analysis of Samarian Coins from the Late Persian Period Found in Archaeological Excavations

Abstract

Thirty-five late Persian period Samarian coins have been found in six controlled excavations, indicating a relatively limited geographical distribution within the southern Levant. Their distribution pattern also highlights the centrality of the religious center at Mount Gerizim, where more than 80% of the coins were found. Other sites, where mostly a single specimen of a Samarian issue was found, are Elyakhin, Dor, Gan Soreq, Jerusalem and Khirbet Qeiyafa. Several corrections to previous identifications and attributions of these finds are suggested. In addition, a comparison between the distribution patterns of Samarian coins and that of Philistian and Yehud coins is offered.