Mattathias Antigonus

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Mattathias Antigonus (Mattatayah), 40 - 37 B.C.

In 40 B.C. the Parthians took Syria, Phoenicia, and Judaea. The Parthians installed Mattathias Antigonus, the son of Aristobulus II, as their vassal King of Judaea. He sent his uncle Hyrcanus II to Babylon in chains (after biting off his ears to render him ineligible for the office of High Priest). Herod the Great fled to Rome where Mark Antony declared him King. Herod returned with Roman assistance in 39 B.C., took most of the kingdom in 38 B.C. and took Jerusalem in 37 B.C. Antigonus was taken to Antioch where Antony had him executed. Dio Cassius says he was crucified but most accounts say he was beheaded.

This large bronze type was meant to impress the population and improve support for Antigonus against his rival Herod the Great.JD14047. Bronze AE 23, Meshorer TJC 36h, Hendin 1162, VF, weight 14.98 g, maximum diameter 23.6 mm, die axis 180^o, Jerusalem mint, obverse 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; nice green patina; scarce; SOLD

This large bronze type was meant to impress the population and improve support for Antigonus against his rival Herod the Great.JD14045. Bronze AE 23, Meshorer TJC 36d, Hendin 1162, Meshorer AJC U3, VF, weight 13.16 g, maximum diameter 24.7 mm, die axis 0^o, Jerusalem mint, obverse 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; nice green patina; scarce; SOLD

The single cornucopia and weight indicate this type was valued at half of Antigonus double cornucopia type. Even so, it is a large bronze compared with the usual Judaean prutah denomination.JD55103. Bronze AE 20, Hendin 1163, Meshorer TJC 37, VF, flan flaw on obverse, weight 7.145 g, maximum diameter 20.4 mm, die axis 135^o, Jerusalem mint, obverse Hebrew inscription, Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews, single cornucopia tied with ribbons, grapes and grape vine hang; reverse BACILEΩC ANTIΓONOY (of King Antigonus), legend within wreath and border of dots; ex Amphora Coins (David Hendin); scarce; SOLD

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SYMBOLS ON HASMONEAN DYNASTY COINS

The Lily: 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.

The Pomegranate: The pomegranate was one of the seven celebrated products of Palestine and among the fruits brought to the temple as offerings of the first-fruits. Two hundred pomegranates decorated each of the two columns in the temple and were an integral part of the sacred vestment of the High Priest, as bells and pomegranates were suspended from his mantle.

The Cornucopia: 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."

The Anchor: The anchor was adopted from the Selukids, who used it to symbolize their naval strength. Anchors are depicted upside down, as they would be seen hung on the side of a boat ready for use.

The Star: The star symbolized heaven.

The Diadem: The diadem symbolized royalty.

Catalog current as of Sunday, July 17, 2016.
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