© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Prutah - Alexander Jannaeus 104 BC - 76 BC
| Bronze | 1 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Judea |
|---|---|
| King | Alexander Jannaeus (103 BC - 76 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 104 BC - 76 BC |
| Value | 1 Prutah |
| Currency | Prutah (140 BC-95 AD) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#94935 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 78% |
Reverse
Finley engraved letters around round finely engraved anchor
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ
Translation: of King Alexander
Comment
It is difficult to understand this coin. At first glance is appears to be simply a reduced weight version, and inscription error of No. 1150. Yet, Meshorer suggests that if the monogram "has some symbolic significance it can suggest that the inscription too is not incidental." Barag adds that it can hardly "be a mistake or initiative of the die engraver. It seems, raver, that at some point the royal mint issued for political reasons these double-titled coins and after a vary short time refrained from further issue of that kind." Barag says Josephus and Rabbinnic sources "leave no doubt that the Pharisees demanded that Hyrcanus I should give up the position of high priest and be content with his secular power. During the the reign of Alexander Jannaeus their attitude reached an extreme point-the Hasmoneans were priests and therefore not from David's line and thus usurpers between the Pharisees and Hasmoneans by presenting the legend 'Priest the King.' The impact of this coin issue was, apparently, thought to be ineffective for the sake of dynastic propaganda and stoped soon after its introduction.David Hendin Guide to Biblical Coins Fifth Edition, p 200
Interesting fact
The Prutah coin bearing the image of Alexander Jannaeus was minted during a time of great turmoil in Judea. Alexander Jannaeus was a Hasmonean king who ruled from 104 BC to 76 BC, and his reign was marked by a series of wars and conflicts, including a civil war against his own brother, Hyrcanus II. Despite these challenges, the coinage of Judea during this period remained consistent, with the Prutah coin being one of the most widely used denominations.
