Three residents of the Palestinian Authority community of Anata, next to Jerusalem, were arrested, Tuesday, after police found dozens of coins from the Hasmonean era (about 140-116 BCE) in their car.
Police started looking for the car following a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Ovnat area of the Dead Sea. The Israel Antiquities Authority identified the coins and appraised their value at tens of thousands of shekels. A preliminary investigation indicates the detainees intended to sell the coins. They face a hearing on Wednesday for extension of their remand as the investigation continues.