I just noticed a new coin of
Jannaeus listed on the
Menorah Coin Project:
http://menorahcoinproject.org/jns-03.htmSome observations:
The
anchor has thin arms that do not change thickness. Though this is not usual on
Jannaeus' anchor-star coinages, it is occasionally seen, especially on the King-Priest coins.
There is an appendage on the bottom left and top right of the
anchor. I do not recall seeing anything like this on other anchors on
Judaean coinage. I am not sure what they are, but perhaps someone who is familiar with ancient anchors could identify them.
The unlisted coin is similar to the lead coins of
Jannaeus, but with some features moved around the coin; both coin
types have anchors and diadems, text in a
circle around the
anchor and text in many lines on the other
side. This might be coincidence, however, since the all the main
symbols and inscriptions on this new coin appear on other coins of
Jannaeus too.
This coin demonstrates that the order of the Greek form of "of
King Alexander" is BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY like on coins of
Antigonus.
Unlike other inscriptions on
Jannaeus' coins, the alphas are written with a bent crossbar
. This alpha
style is seen on coins of
Hyrcanus I and
Antigonus, however.
Jannaeus' name is written in the full spelling יהו[נתן]. Most coin
types of
Jannaeus are like this, except for some wreath-cornucopia
types that have
his name as ינתן.
The
flan is bevelled. Therefore, it seems likely that the coin was struck in Jerusalem.
At 4.00 g, J.-P. is probably right to call this coin a double-prutah.
I
hope to see the coin published soon. What do you guys think of this coin?
