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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Greek Coins| ▸ |Hellenistic Monarchies| ▸ |Judean Kingdom||View Options:   | | | Coins of Judaea and Palestine are also presented in our Judean and Biblical catalog section. Here coins of the Judaea Kingdom are grouped together and listed from highest price to lowest. In our Judean and Biblical catalog section coins are organized by types and rulers and are presented with additional historical information and biblical references. |
Matthew (2:1-23) describes the Massacre of the Innocents. Wise men from the East visited Herod to inquire the whereabouts of "the one having been born king of the Jews," because they had seen his star. Herod, as King of the Jews, was alarmed. The chief priests, citing Micah 5:2, told Herod the anointed one would be born in Bethlehem. Herod sent the "wise men" to Bethlehem, instructing them to "report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." However, the Magi were warned in a dream not to report back to Herod. Joseph was warned in a dream that Herod intended to kill Jesus, so he and his family fled to Egypt. When Herod realized he had been outwitted, he gave orders to kill all boys of the age of two and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. Joseph and his family stayed in Egypt until Herod's death, then moved to Nazareth. Herod was guilty of many brutal acts, including killing his wife and two sons, but no other source from the period refers to the massacre. Bethlehem was a small village, the number of male children under the age of two might not have exceed 20, and this may be the reason for the lack of other sources for this history.JD114512. Copper eight prutot, Hendin 6204; Meshorer TJC 44; Meshorer AJC II 1; BMC Palestine p. 220, 1; RPC I 4901; HGC 10 651, F, near black patina with highlighting blue-green deposits, uneven strike with weak areas, rev. edge beveled, edge splits, weight 6.120 g, maximum diameter 23.6 mm, die axis 45o, Samaria mint, 40 - 37 B.C.; obverse HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ (Greek: of King Herod), tripod with ceremonial bowl (lebes), LΓ -
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C., Barbaric Imitative Issue
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111347. Leaded bronze prutah, Hendin 6219e, VF, barbaric issue, weight 1.553 g, maximum diameter 15.1 mm, die axis 180o, unofficial mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse blundered imitation of Greek: HPW BACI (of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns (blundered, failing to understand the items depicted); rare; $180.00 (€169.20)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
The lily was regarded as the choicest among the flowers. It graced the capitals of the two main pillars which stood at the entrance to the sanctuary. See Symbols| on Judean| Coins| in NumisWiki.JD114835. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6184; Meshorer TJC N; Meshorer AJC A; Sofaer 214; BMC Palestine p. 198, 1; HGC 10 636, gF, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 2.066 g, maximum diameter 14.3 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, c. 95 - 76 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the King, lily; reverse Greek legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY (King Alexander in Greek), anchor within inner circle; scarce; $160.00 (€150.40)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
The lily was regarded as the choicest among the flowers. It graced the capitals of the two main pillars which stood at the entrance to the sanctuary. See Symbols| on Judean| Coins| in NumisWiki.JD114836. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6184; Meshorer TJC N; Meshorer AJC A; Sofaer 214; BMC Palestine p. 198, 1; HGC 10 636, gF, broad flan, obv. off center, earthen encrusted, rev. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 2.420 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, c. 95 - 76 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the King, lily; reverse Greek legend: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY (King Alexander in Greek), anchor within inner circle; scarce; $160.00 (€150.40)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD113033. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59h; Hendin 6219c; SNG ANS 218; Sofaer 35; Meshorer AJC II 17g, VF, green patina, broad flan, uneven strike, rev. edge beveled, weight 1.753 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPW BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod, counterclockwise from lower right), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $150.00 (€141.00)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
While the letters seem bold and clear at first glance, there are a number of unusual errors in the inscription.JD113054. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6180, Meshorer TJC Q, Meshorer AJC F, Sofaer 314 ff., HGC 10 639, VF, dark tone, highlighting deposits, irregular flan shape, rev. edge beveled, weight 1.686 g, maximum diameter 14.5 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews (blundered), within wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $150.00 (€141.00)
Herodian Kings of Judaea, c. 37 B.C. - 44 A.D., Lot of 6 Prutot
Prutot (singular: prutah) of Herod the Great and his son(s)LT98834. Bronze Lot, Lot of 6 prutot, aF or better, Jerusalem mint, c. 37 B.C. - 44 A.D.; coins of Herod the Great and his son(s), unattributed, no tags or flips, the actual coins in the photographs, 6 prutot; some scarce; $140.00 (€131.60)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
Meshorer notes for this type, "letter shapes are bizarre and the lines of script are not evenly followed...While on most specimens, the inscription is complete, some time must be devoted to locating all of the characters." This "barbaric" inscription style is unique to this type.JD113053. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6186, Meshorer TJC S, HGC 10 641, VF, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, casting sprue and cut, obv. edge beveled, small casting voids at edge, weight 2.250 g, maximum diameter 15.5 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse highly stylized Paleo-Hebrew inscription within wreath: Yonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $140.00 (€131.60)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid kingdom marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. John Hyrcanus was the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD114831. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6171; Meshorer TJC A; Meshorer AJC M; SNG ANS 1139, Sofaer p. 242, 6; HGC 10 625, VF, green patina, nice highlighting earthen deposits, off center, obv. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 1.724 g, maximum diameter 14.2 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Greek letter A above Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, all surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns, border of dots; $135.00 (€126.90)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
 | This type has a Greek letter A above the Paleo-Hebrew inscription. The inscription reads, from right to left, as follows: YHW(HH)NN (Yehohanan) / H (the) KHN (Priest) H (the) G/DL (high) W (and) (HH)BR (council) H (the) / YHWDYM (Jews). See Reading |Judean |Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judaean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C., For the Seleukid King Antiochus VII
Hendin lists four varieties of this type AΠP (year 181) below (Hendin 6165), AΠP (year 181) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165a), BΠP (year 182) below (Hendin 6165b), and BΠP (year 182) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165c). Houghton and Lorber list a variety without a date (Houghton-Lorber 2123), but the date is probably just off flan, as on this example.JD114827. Bronze prutah, Houghton-Lorber II 2123, Hendin 6165, HGC 9 1103, Meshorer TJC p. 30, F, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits,, weight 2.626 g, maximum diameter 15.8 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 132 - 130 B.C.; obverse lily on stem with two leaves, dot border; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY (Greek: of King Antiochus, Benefactor), anchor (Seleukid symbol) upside down, AΠP or BΠP (Greek: year 181 or 182 of the Seleucid Era) below (off flan); $120.00 (€112.80)
Judean Kingdom, Mattathias Antigonus (Mattatayah), 40 - 37 B.C.
Parthia took Judaea in 40 B.C. and made Mattathias Antigonus their vassal King. After Antigonus bit off his ears to render him ineligible for High Priest, Hyrcanus II was sent to Babylon in chains. Herod fled to Rome but returned with Roman support and took Jerusalem in 37 B.C. Dio Cassius says Antigonus was crucified but most accounts say he was beheaded.JD112388. Bronze four prutot, Meshorer TJC 37, Hendin 6198, Sofaer 427, SNG ANS 189, SNG Cop 65, HGC 10 647 (S), F, off center, scratches, both sides beveled, pre-strike flan casting seam and remnants of sprues, weight 6.552 g, maximum diameter 19.1 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 40 - 37 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Mattatayah the High Priest, single cornucopia tied with ribbons, overflowing with grapes; reverse Greek inscription in three lines: BACIΛ/EΩC ANT/IΓONOY (of King Antigonus), within wreath tied at the bottom; scarce; $115.00 (€108.10)
Judean Kingdom, Mattathias Antigonus (Mattatayah), 40 - 37 B.C.
Parthia took Judaea in 40 B.C. and made Mattathias Antigonus their vassal King. After Antigonus bit off his ears to render him ineligible for High Priest, Hyrcanus II was sent to Babylon in chains. Herod fled to Rome but returned with Roman support and took Jerusalem in 37 B.C. Dio Cassius says Antigonus was crucified but most accounts say he was beheaded.JD98148. Bronze eight prutot, Meshorer TJC 36; Hendin 6197; Sofaer 418; BMC Palestine p. 212, 2; SNG ANS 183; SNG Cop 64; HGC 10 646 (S), aF, earthen deposits, weight 12.536 g, maximum diameter 22.8 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 40 - 37 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews, around and between the horns of a double cornucopia; reverse BACIΛEΩC ANTIΓONOY (of King Antigonus), ivy wreath tied at the top with ribbons hanging down; from an Israeli collection; scarce; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
 | This type has been reattributed from Hyrcanus II to Alexander Jannaeus by Hendin and Shachar in "The Identity of YNTN on Hasmonean Overstruck Coins and the Chronology of the Alexander Jannaeus Types," Israel Numismatic Research 3, 2008: 87-94. It appears this type was overstruck on earlier coins of Alexander Jannaeus that had never been released from the mint. Most examples have strong undertype effects obscuring the inscription but this coin does not and the inscription is clear. The Paleo-Hebrew inscription, in classic style, on this coin reads, from right to left, as follows: YNTN (Yonatan) / H (the) KHNH (Priest) / GDL (high) W (and) (HH)B/ R (council) [H] (the, omitted) YHD (Jews). See Reading Judean Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judean Kingdom, Judah Aristobulus I (Yehudah), 104 - 103 B.C.
 | The block style Paleo-Hebrew inscription reads, from right to left: YHWD/H (Judah) KHN (priest) GD/WL (high) W (and) (HH)BR (council) / H (the) YHWD/MY (Jews). See Reading Judean Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
| This type has a Greek letter A above the Paleo-Hebrew inscription. The inscription reads, from right to left, as follows: YHW(HH)NN (Yehohanan) / H (the) KHN (Priest) H (the) G/DL (high) W (and) (HH)BR (council) H (the) / YHWDYM (Jews). See Reading |Judean |Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
 | The classical style Paleo-Hebrew inscription reads, from right to left, as follows: YHW(HH)N[N] (Yehohanan, second nun missing) / H (the) KHN (Priest) H (the) G/DL (high) H (the) (HH)BR (council) H (the) / YDH[Y]M (Jews, dalet and he reversed, second yod missing, mem blundered). See Reading Judean Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judaean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C., For the Seleukid King Antiochus VII
Hendin lists four varieties of this type AΠP (year 181) below (Hendin 6165), AΠP (year 181) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165a), BΠP (year 182) below (Hendin 6165b), and BΠP (year 182) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165c). Houghton and Lorber list a variety without a date (Houghton-Lorber 2123), but the date is probably just off flan, as on this example.JD111418. Bronze prutah, Houghton-Lorber II 2123, Hendin 6165, HGC 9 1103, Meshorer TJC p. 30, F, well centered, dark patina, earthen deposits, tiny edge cracks, obv. edge beveled, weight 2.792 g, maximum diameter 15.1 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 132 - 130 B.C.; obverse lily on stem with two leaves, dot border; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY (Greek: of King Antiochus, Benefactor), anchor, upside down, AΠP or BΠP (Greek: year 181 or 182 of the Seleucid Era) below; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid kingdom marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. John Hyrcanus was the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD111423. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6175a, Meshorer TJC G, Sofaer 114, HGC 10 631, VF, crude inscription, ragged edge, rev. edge beveled, sprue remnants, weight 2.556 g, maximum diameter 16.2 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse crude blundered Paleo-Hebrew inscription surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD113036. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59c; Hendin 6219a; Sofaer 30; SNG ANS 206; BMC Palestine p. 224, 44; HGC 10 662, F, centered on a broad flan, strike a little weak, ragged sprue cut, obv. edge beveled, weight 1956 g, maximum diameter 15.6 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPW BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $110.00 (€103.40)
Herod Archelaus, Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.
The anchor was adopted from the Selukids, who used it to symbolize their naval strength. Anchors are often depicted upside down, as they would be seen hung on the side of a boat ready for use.
The cornucopia was a hollow animal horn used as a container. One of the most popular religious symbols of the ancient world, the cornucopia is also know as the "horn of plenty" and on coins it advertises the prosperity delivered by the king.
The caduceus is the wing-topped staff, with two snakes winding about it, carried by Hermes. According to one myth it was given to him by Apollo. The caduceus was carried by Greek heralds and ambassadors and became a Roman symbol for truce, neutrality, and noncombatant status. The Herodians were friends to Rome and the caduceus was an appropriate symbol of that relationship.JD113038. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 67a var. (legends), Hendin 6223 var. (same), RPC I 4912 var. (same), BMC Palestine -, aVF, broad flan, highlighting earthen deposits, sprue remnant, flan casting void, obv. edge beveled, weight 1.298 g, maximum diameter 16.0 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.; obverse anchor, HPWΔOY (or similar, Greek: of Herod) blundered and scrambled around field; reverse EΘNAPX (Greek: Ethnarch, perhaps abbreviated EΘN above or not present), two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
This type is easily recognized because the wreath differs from all others and even appears to be a different plant. The script is "wedge style" with nun a simple vertical line.JD113047. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6174, Meshorer TJC D, Meshorer AJC P, Sofaer 68 ff., HGC 10 628, aVF, well centered, highlighting earthen deposits, scratches, reverse edge beveled, straight sprue cuts, weight 2.173 g, maximum diameter 14.6 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription with wedge style script: Yehonanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $110.00 (€103.40)
The First Jewish Revolt, 66 - 70 A.D.
In 69 A.D., Vespasian began to lay siege to Jerusalem, the city was captured the following year by his son Titus. On 4 August 70 A.D. Titus destroyed the Temple. The Jewish fast of Tisha B'Av mourns the Fall of Jerusalem annually on this date.JD113723. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6392; Meshorer TJC 204; SNG ANS 446; Sofaer pl. 223, 31, VF, green patina, off center, rev. edge beveled, sprue cuts, weight 3.132 g, maximum diameter 17.3 mm, die axis 270o, Jerusalem mint, year 3, 68 - 69 A.D.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew: Year three, amphora with fluted body, narrow neck, broad rim, two handles, and conical fluted lid decorated with tiny globule at peak and row of tiny globules around edge; reverse Paleo-Hebrew: The freedom of Zion, vine leaf on small branch with tendril; $110.00 (€103.40)
Herod Archelaus, Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.
The cornucopia was a hollow animal horn used as a container. One of the most popular religious symbols of the ancient world, the cornucopia is also know as the "horn of plenty."JD114859. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 68d, Sofaer 61, Hendin 6223 (S), RPC Online I 4912, F, broad flan, uneven strike with weak areas, light earthen deposits, rev. edge beveled, edge ragged with sprue and splits, weight 1.153 g, maximum diameter 15.4 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.; obverse HPWΔ (Greek: of Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, EΘN (Greek abbreviation: Ethnarch) counterclockwise from lower right with N between the horns; scarce; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
This was the first Jewish coin type to feature a graven image - the golden eagle Herod erected above the gate of the Temple. After their Pharisee teachers declared it was idolatrous, a group of young men tore down and smashed the golden eagle. Forty of them, along with their teachers, were captured and brought before Herod. They confessed, explaining they were upholding the laws of Moses. Herod had teachers and leaders burned alive, and all the participants were executed.JD114864. Bronze lepton, Hendin 6221, Meshorer TJC 66, RPC I 4909, Sofaer 56, HGC 10 669, aF, earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, long sprue cut, weight 0.992 g, maximum diameter 12.0 mm, die axis 90o, Jerusalem mint, c. 22 - 12 B.C.; obverse BACIΛ HPWΔ (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), cornucopia; reverse eagle standing right, head right, wings closed; $110.00 (€103.40)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
Hendin's Guide to Biblical Coins did not assign this very rare "classical style" Rosh variant a Hendin number until the sixth edition, printed in 2021. Meshorer's A Treasury of Jewish Coins includes it as part of type I, along with Rosh types with a wedge style Paleo-Hebrew inscription.JD97670. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC I62 (similar style), Hendin 6169 (RR), Sofaer 165, HGC 10 628, VF, most legend on flan, dark patina with highlighting red earthen fill, some light corrosion, obv. edge beveled, weight 1.966 g, maximum diameter 14.8 mm, die axis 45o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription with blundered careless classical style: Yehonanan the High Priest and Head (Rosh) of the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns, A lower right (not visible); rare; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
This type is easily recognized because the wreath differs from all others and even appears to be a different plant. The script is "wedge style" with nun a simple vertical line.JD111408. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6174, Meshorer TJC D, Meshorer AJC P, Sofaer 68 ff., HGC 10 628, VF, near full inscription but a bit carelessly engraved, light earthen deposits, mild porosity, obv. edge beveled, rev. off center, weight 2.235 g, maximum diameter 15.0 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription with wedge style script: Yehonanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111425. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59a; SNG ANS 216; BMC Palestine p. 224, 40; HGC 10 660; Hendin 6219a var. (HPW BACI); Sofaer 30 var. (same), F, dark patina, earthen deposits, off center, weight 1.601 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPWΔ BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Some of Herod's achievements include the development of water supplies for Jerusalem, building fortresses such as Masada and Herodium, and founding new cities such as Caesarea Maritima and the enclosures of Cave of the Patriarchs and Mamre in Hebron. He and Cleopatra owned a monopoly over the extraction of asphalt from the Dead Sea, which was used in shipbuilding. He leased copper mines on Cyprus from the Roman emperor.JD113040. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6214 (S), Meshorer TJC 54, Sofaer 24, HGC 10 658 (S), aVF, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, crude as typical, off center, uneven strike, weight 1.408 g, maximum diameter 17.0 mm, Jerusalem mint, c. 27 B.C.; obverse HPWΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ (Greek: of King Herod), small closed diadem, no cross, legend incomplete as is typical for the type; reverse tripod table, line below, border of dots; very scarce; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid kingdom marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. John Hyrcanus was the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD113051. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6177, Meshorer TJC F, Meshorer AJC K, Sofaer 124 ff., HGC 10 631, VF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, rev. off center, weight 2.299 g, maximum diameter 14.9 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonanan the High Priest and Head of the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judaean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C., For the Seleukid King Antiochus VII
Struck by John Hyrcanus, King of Judaea, in the name of the Seleukid King Antiochos VII, Euergetes (Sidetes). John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid king marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. Probably as a conciliatory gesture to the Jews, the lily (a symbol of Jerusalem) replaced the head of the Seleukid king. Later, John Hyrcanus would be the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD114829. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6165a, Houghton-Lorber II 2123(2)b, SNG Spaer 2134, Houghton CSE 832, HGC 9 1103, Meshorer TJC p. 30, VF/F, earthen encrustations, obv. edge beveled, tiny edge splits, weight 2.197 g, maximum diameter 14.9 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 132 - 131 B.C.; obverse lily on stem with two leaves, dot border; reverse anchor (Seleukid symbol) upside down, AΠP (Greek: 181 [year of Seleukid Era]) upward inner right, BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY (Greek: of King Antiochus) in two lines upward on left, EYEPΓETOY (Greek: Benefactor) upward on right; $100.00 (€94.00)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
This was the first Jewish coin type to feature a graven image - the golden eagle Herod erected above the gate of the Temple. After their Pharisee teachers declared it was idolatrous, a group of young men tore down and smashed the golden eagle. Forty of them, along with their teachers, were captured and brought before Herod. They confessed, explaining they were upholding the laws of Moses. Herod had teachers and leaders burned alive, and all the participants were executed.JD111340. Bronze lepton, Hendin 6221, Meshorer TJC 66, RPC I 4909, Sofaer 56, HGC 10 669, F, green patina, earthen deposits, ragged sprue cuts, weight 0.836 g, maximum diameter 13.0 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, c. 22 - 12 B.C.; obverse BACIΛ HPWΔ (or similar, Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), cornucopia; reverse eagle standing right, head right, wings closed; $90.00 (€84.60)
Judaean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C., For the Seleukid King Antiochus VII
Hendin lists four varieties of this type AΠP (year 181) below (Hendin 6165), AΠP (year 181) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165a), BΠP (year 182) below (Hendin 6165b), and BΠP (year 182) beside the anchor on left (Hendin 6165c). Houghton and Lorber list a variety without a date (Houghton-Lorber 2123), but the date is probably just off flan, as on this example.JD98719. Bronze prutah, Houghton-Lorber II 2123, Hendin 6165, HGC 9 1103, Meshorer TJC p. 30, aVF, green patina, light earthen deposits, tiny edge cracks, obverse edge beveled, weight 2.550 g, maximum diameter 15.2 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 132 - 130 B.C.; obverse lily on stem with two leaves, dot border; reverse BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY (Greek: of King Antiochus, Benefactor), anchor, upside down, AΠP or BΠP (Greek: year 181 or 182 of the Seleucid Era) below; $80.00 (€75.20)
Herod Archelaus, Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.
The galley refers to Archelaus' voyage to Rome at the beginning of his reign. His father had modified his will, naming Archelaus' younger brother, Antipas, king. Archelaus appealed to Rome and was awarded a large share of the kingdom and the title ethnarch. The galley reminded those that thought to challenge him that he had the backing of Rome. -- Ancient Jewish Coinage by Ya'akov MeshoreJD111342. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6228; Meshorer TJC 72; Meshorer AJC 5; SNG ANS 243; RPC Online I 4916; BMC Palestine p. 233, 27, F, dark green patina, highlighting red earthen fill, edge ragged with sprue remnant and cut, weight 1.147 g, maximum diameter 13.5 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.; obverse HPW (counterclockwise from below, Greek: of Herod), prow of war galley left with akrostolion and large ram; reverse EΘN (Greek abbreviation: Ethnarch), surrounded by wreath; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111346. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59a; SNG ANS 216; BMC Palestine p. 224, 40; HGC 10 660; Hendin 6219a var. (HPW BACI); Sofaer 30 var. (same), aVF, dark patina, highlighting buff earthen deposits, full border on obv., rev. off center, weight 1.600 g, maximum diameter 14.2 mm, Jerusalem mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPWΔ BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
| This type has a Greek letter A above the Paleo-Hebrew inscription. The inscription reads, from right to left, as follows: YHW(HH)NN (Yehohanan) / H (the) KHN (Priest) H (the) G/DL (high) W (and) (HH)BR (council) H (the) / YHWDYM (Jews). See Reading |Judean |Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
This type is easily recognized because the wreath differs from all others and even appears to be a different plant. The script is "wedge style" with nun a simple vertical line.JD111355. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6174, Meshorer TJC D, Meshorer AJC P, Sofaer 68 ff., HGC 10 628, Choice VF, well centered, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, full or near full inscription but carelessly engraved, weight 2.049 g, maximum diameter 15.3 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription with wedge style script: Yehonanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
Unpopular, Jannaeus was pelted with citrons on Sukkot. Enraged, he killed some 6,000 citizens. A revolt erupted and rebels called on the Seleucid King Demetrius III for aid. Demetrius forced him into the mountains but then withdrew. Back in power, Jannaeus crucified 800 rebels forcing them to watch the slaughter of their wives and children from their crosses.JD111359. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6180, Meshorer TJC Q, Meshorer AJC F, Sofaer 314 ff., HGC 10 639, F, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, rev. edge beveled, remnants of flan casting sprues, weight 1.974 g, maximum diameter 13.6 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse block style Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111427. Bronze prutah, Meshorer TJC 59a; SNG ANS 216; BMC Palestine p. 224, 40; HGC 10 660; Hendin 6219a var. (HPW BACI); Sofaer 30 var. (same), F, green patina, earthen encrustation, remnant of casting sprue, porosity, rev. edge beveled, weight 1.562 g, maximum diameter 13.9 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, c. 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPWΔ BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, five pellets above; $80.00 (€75.20)
Herod Archelaus, Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.
Grapes, the vine and wine were an important part of the ancient economy and ritual. Grapes were brought to the Temple as offerings of the first-fruits and wine was offered upon the altar. The vine and grapes decorated the sacred vessels in the sanctuary and a golden vine with clusters of grapes stood at its entrance.JD111431. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6227; Meshorer TJC 73; BMC Palestine p. 232, 10; SNG Cop 69; Sofaer 81; RPC I 4917, F, earthen deposits, off center, edge split, sprue remnant, obv. edge beveled, weight 1.937 g, maximum diameter 16.0156 mm, die axis 135o, Jerusalem mint, 4 B.C. - 6 A.D.; obverse HPΩΔOY (Greek: of Herod), bunch of grapes, leaf on left; reverse EΘNOPXOY (Greek: Ethnarch), tall helmet with crest and neck straps viewed from the front, small caduceus in lower left field; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD111756. Bronze prutah, Ariel-Fontanille type 15, group 6 (O1nl/R1nl); Meshorer TJC 59; Hendin 6219; RPC I 4910; HGC 10 662, aVF, slightly off center, weight 1.302 g, maximum diameter 14.5 mm, Jerusalem mint, 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse anchor, no legend; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, pellets above; ex CNG e-auction 510 (23 Feb 2022), lot 307; ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection; ex Herb Kreindler (Feb 1988); rare variant; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Herod's most famous and ambitious project was his magnificent expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20 - 19 B.C. Although work on out-buildings continued another eighty years, the new Temple was finished in a year and a half. To comply with religious law, Herod employed 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters. The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. Today, only the four retaining walls of the Temple Mount remain standing, including the Western Wall.JD112373. Bronze prutah, cf. Hendin 6219a; Meshorer TJC 59c; Sofaer 30; SNG ANS 206; BMC Palestine p. 224, 44; HGC 10 662, aVF, off center, weight 1.688 g, maximum diameter 14.2 mm, die axis 270o, Jerusalem mint, 21 - 12 B.C.; obverse HPW BACI (Greek abbreviation: of King Herod), anchor; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, caduceus between horns, pellets above; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
Unpopular, Jannaeus was pelted with citrons on Sukkot. Enraged, he killed some 6,000 citizens. A revolt erupted and rebels called on the Seleucid King Demetrius III for aid. Demetrius forced him into the mountains but then withdrew. Back in power, Jannaeus crucified 800 rebels forcing them to watch the slaughter of their wives and children from their crosses.JD113343. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6180, Meshorer TJC Q, Meshorer AJC F, Sofaer 314 ff., HGC 10 639, aVF, irregular shape, edge splits, rev. edge beveled, weight 0.904 g, maximum diameter 13.4 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse block style Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; ex CNG e-auction 520 (20 Jul 2022), lot 174; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
Unpopular, Jannaeus was pelted with citrons on Sukkot. Enraged, he killed some 6,000 citizens. A revolt erupted and rebels called on the Seleucid King Demetrius III for aid. Demetrius forced him into the mountains but then withdrew. Back in power, Jannaeus crucified 800 rebels forcing them to watch the slaughter of their wives and children from their crosses.JD113602. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6181, Meshorer TJC P, Meshorer AJC E, Sofaer 274 ff., HGC 10 638, F, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obv. edge beveled, weight 1.833 g, maximum diameter 14.2 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse classical style Paleo-Hebrew inscription within wreath: Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judaean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C., For the Seleukid King Antiochus VII
Struck by John Hyrcanus, King of Judaea, in the name of the Seleukid King Antiochos VII, Euergetes (Sidetes). John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid king marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. Probably as a conciliatory gesture to the Jews, the lily (a symbol of Jerusalem) replaced the head of the Seleukid king. Later, John Hyrcanus would be the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD114828. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6165b, Houghton-Lorber II 2123(3), SNG Spaer 2140, Houghton CSE 833, SGCV II 7101, HGC 9 1103, Meshorer TJC p. 30, aF. earthen encrustation, scratches, weight 2.633 g, maximum diameter 14.2 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 131 - 130 B.C.; obverse lily on stem with two leaves, dot border; reverse Greek inscription: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEPΓETOY (Greek: of King Antiochus, Benefactor), anchor (Seleukid symbol) upside down, BΠP (Greek: year 182 of Seleukid Era) below; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod Agrippa I, 37 - 44 A.D.
Agrippa was son of Aristobulus and Bernice, a grandson of Herod the Great. He spent his boyhood at the imperial court in Rome. His friend Caligula bestowed former territories of Philip and Herod Antipas. Claudius bestowed Judaea. He had James, the brother of John, executed (Acts 12:1-2) and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:3-5).JD114849. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6274, Meshorer TJC 120, RPC I 4981, SNG ANS 262, Sofaer 153, F, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, rev. slightly off center, obv. edge beveled, sprue remnants/cuts, weight 2.420 g, maximum diameter 15.9 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 41 - 42 A.D.; obverse AΓPIΠA BACIΛEWC (King Agrippa), umbrella-like canopy with fringes; reverse three heads of barley between two leaves, L - ς (year 6) divided across field; $80.00 (€75.20)
Judean Kingdom, Herod the Great, 37 - 4 B.C.
Two prutot was equal to a Roman quadrans. -- Talmud Jerus., Kedushin 58d, written c. 200 A.D.JD97695. Bronze 2 prutot, Meshorer TJC p. 222 & pl. 44, 48a; Sofaer p. 258 & pl. 207, 20; Hendin 6211 (S); RPC Online I 4905; HGC 10 654; BMC Palestine p. 222, 20 ff., aF, off center, uneven strike, edge cracks, reverse edge beveled, weight 3.846 g, maximum diameter 19.0 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, c. 30 B.C.; obverse HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ (Greek: of King Herod), cross surrounded by closed diadem; reverse dish on tripod table, flanked by two straight upright palm branches; from an Israeli collection; $70.00 (€65.80)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
Hendin 6182 is easily identified by its unique cursive style inscription. Meshorer wrote of this cursive style, "The letters appear is if they were written with pen and ink. They are schematic, elongated, oblique, and very small. Some are so minute as to be little more than points. Although small, the shapes of the letters are simple and quite legible. The inscription is mostly complete and contains no errors."JD99437. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6182, Meshorer TJC R, Meshorer AJC G, SNG ANS 116, HGC 10 640, F, highlighting desert patina, porous, remains of casting sprues, reverse edge beveled, weight 1.989 g, maximum diameter 14.6 mm, die axis 180o, Jerusalem mint, 104 - 76 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonatan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, cursive style script, within wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; from the Michael Arslan Collection; $70.00 (€65.80)
Judean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 104 - 76 B.C.
 | Meshorer wrote of the inscriptions on this type, "The style of the script is distinctive. The letters are large and slight oblique, with sharp lines and edges; they tend toward systematization. The shapes are strong and clear...and contain few variants. The legend is mostly incomplete and contains many errors. Certain characters such as  (B),  (R), and  (D) are almost indistinguishable." On this coin the inscription is nearly complete. The Paleo-Hebrew inscription on this coin reads, from right to left, as follows: YHWN/TN (Yehonatan) [K]HN (Priest) / G/DWL (high) W (and) (HH) (council) Y/HWD/M (Jews). See Reading Judean Coins in NumisWiki. |
Judean Kingdom, John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan), 134 - 104 B.C.
John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon the Maccabee and nephew of the folk hero Judah Maccabee, the hero of the Hanukkah story. Soon after Hyrcanus assumed power, the Seleukid kingdom marched on Jerusalem. Antiochus VII and Hyrcanus I negotiated a treaty that left Hyrcanus a vassal to the Syrian king. John Hyrcanus was the first Jewish ruler to issue coins in his own name.JD99860. Bronze prutah, Hendin 6172, Meshorer TJC B, Meshorer AJC N, Sofaer 30 ff., HGC 10 626, gF, dark patina, highlighting earthen deposits, obverse edge beveled, reverse off center, weight 2.662 g, maximum diameter 14.0 mm, die axis 0o, Jerusalem mint, 134 - 104 B.C.; obverse Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehonanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews, surrounded by wreath; reverse two cornucopias splayed outward, adorned with ribbons, pomegranate or poppy between the horns; from the Michael Arslan Collection; $70.00 (€65.80)
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