COLONIE - An ancient coin from Asia has been discovered in an archaeological dig behind a 19th-century tavern in upstate New York.

The copper alloy coin was unearthed as archaeologists combed the soil behind the 200-year-old Ebenezer Hills Jr. house, a former way station located in Latham, on a busy turnpike between Albany and Schenectady.

The Albany County Airport Authority had moved the house about 200 feet last month.

Corey McQuinn, project director for Hartgen Archeological Associates, said the coin has a square hole stamped in the center and is the thickness of a dime.

McQuinn speculated that the ancient coin could have accompanied immigrants or traders passing through from the busy ports of either New York or Boston.