Shocking Ancient Coin Journey Delights Leeds Museum Visitors

A 2,100-year-old coin minted in ancient Spain somehow ended up in a bus fare collection in Leeds. This incredible historical artifact was originally struck by maritime traders from the Fertile Crescent before its unlikely modern journey.

James Edwards, a former transport cashier, discovered the coin while sorting through daily fares for the city’s bus and tram system. Rather than discarding the foreign currency, he saved it as a gift for his grandson, Peter.

“To me they were treasure,” said Peter Edwards.

He kept the coin in a wooden chest for seven decades.

Peter’s research eventually revealed the coin featured the god Melqart and originated from Gadir, a Carthaginian settlement known today as Cadiz. He has now donated the ancient treasure to the Leeds Museums and Galleries to preserve its amazing story.

“My grandfather would be proud to know, as I am, that the coin is coming back to Leeds,” Peter shared.

He said the donation felt like the right way to honor the family keepsake.

Quick Smiles:

• The coin survived over two millennia, traveling from the Spanish coast to a northern English city.
• A local cashier saved the artifact from being lost after a commuter used it as a bus fare.
• The precious find is now part of a museum collection where it will inspire future history lovers.

This remarkable tale reminds us that ancient history is often hiding in the most unexpected everyday places.

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