A Remarkable Discovery
A 2,000-year-old coin, once used to pay for bus rides in Leeds, has been donated to Leeds Museums and Galleries, adding a fascinating piece of history to the city’s collection. The coin, which originated from the Carthaginians in the 1st century BC, was uncovered as part of a remarkable journey that spans centuries and continents.
The Coin’s Journey Through History
The coin was initially produced in the Spanish city of Cadiz, a thriving Carthaginian settlement, by the Phoenician culture. It eventually made its way to Leeds, where, in the 1950s, it was given to a bus driver by a passenger. The bus driver passed it on to James Edwards, a former chief cashier at Leeds City Transport. Edwards, who had a habit of setting aside foreign and fake coins, passed the coin down to his grandson, Peter Edwards.
A Grandson’s Discovery
Peter Edwards, now 77, decided to research the coin’s origins after inheriting it. His research led him to the discovery that the coin was not only ancient but also tied to the Carthaginian settlement in Spain. The coin’s design, featuring the face of the god Melqart—often associated with the Greek hero Herakles—indicated its connection to Greek imagery, likely aimed at appealing to traders in the region.
A Generous Donation
Recognizing the historical significance of the coin, Peter Edwards decided to donate it to Leeds Museums and Galleries. It will now be housed at the Leeds Discovery Centre, where it joins a collection of historic coins and currencies, helping tell the story of how artifacts travel through time and space.
Preserving History
Councillor Salma Arif expressed excitement over the donation, highlighting the importance of the museum in preserving such unique artifacts. The coin’s journey, from the ancient Carthaginian empire to a bus ride in 1950s Leeds, captures a small but significant chapter in the city’s rich history.
