2,000-Year-Old Coin Once Paid Leeds Bus Fare

A rare coin, minted over 2,000 years ago by the Carthaginians, has found its way into the collection of Leeds Museums and Galleries, after a surprising journey through time and everyday life.

The coin, originating from the Phoenician settlement of Cádiz in Spain during the 1st century BC, first appeared in Leeds in the 1950s when it landed in the hands of James Edwards, chief cashier for Leeds City Transport. While counting fares from bus and tram drivers, Mr. Edwards would set aside foreign or unusual coins, later passing them to his grandson Peter, who stored them in a small wooden chest for more than seven decades.

Peter Edwards, now 77, explained: “It was not long after the war, and soldiers returned with coins from abroad. Neither of us were collectors, but we were fascinated by their origins and designs – to me, they were treasure.”

Intrigued by one particular coin and its unusual inscriptions, Peter conducted research and discovered its Carthaginian roots. The coin features the god Melqart, resembling the Greek hero Herakles, wearing the iconic lionskin headdress. Phoenician coins often used Greek imagery to appeal to traders, highlighting the cross-cultural connections of the ancient world.

Recognising its historical value, Peter donated the coin to Leeds Museums and Galleries, ensuring it could be studied and appreciated by the public.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for culture, said: “It’s incredible to think this tiny piece of history traveled thousands of years to Leeds. Museums don’t just preserve objects – they tell stories and inspire curiosity about the past in the most unexpected places.”

The coin will be displayed at Leeds Discovery Centre, which houses an extensive collection of global currency spanning millennia. The museum offers pre-booked tours on a “Give What You Can” basis, welcoming donations to support its work in preserving and sharing history.

Leeds City Council

Cover Image Credit: Leeds City Council