The excavated dirt was carefully sifted through by 3,500 volunteers, mostly Israeli high school students in the Emek Tzurim national park. The 2 cm artifact is made from tin, with the Aramaic words on it, “-daka” and “-leh” Daka in Aramaic means “pure” and “Leh” is part of G-d’s name.

According to the directors of the Antiquities Authority, archeologists Dr. Eli Shukrun, and Professor Roni Reich from Haifa University, the words mean, “Holy to God.” The artifact was a type of “bag check” for items brought to the Temple, ascertaining that it was holy and could be used.The Mishna (Oral Torah) in Shekalim, Chapter 5, uses the word “Chotam” — or signet seal. The Mishna lists 5 different types of signet seals, and this particular one is not listed — thereby adding an additional historical fact not detailed in the Mishna. (sources)Happy Chanuka!

Postscript: ElderofZiyon proposed an interesting theory:

Wiktionary translates “Daka” as “to cleanse, to purify.”

Intriguingly, Jastrow translates “Daka” as “humble” or “crushed.” And the Genesius Lexicontranslates it similarly:

Is it possible that “Daka l’Ya” doesn’t only mean “pure for God” but perhaps “crushed for God” – meaning it is a seal meant specifically for olive oil produced for the Temple service?