© British Museum
© British Museum
Prutah - Mattatayah Antigonus 40 BC - 37 BC
| Bronze | 1.85 g | - |
| Issuer | Judea |
|---|---|
| King | Antigonus II Mattathias (40 BC - 37 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 40 BC - 37 BC |
| Value | 1 Prutah |
| Currency | Prutah (140 BC-95 AD) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.85 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#94657 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Seven-branched menorah
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟY
Translation: King Antigonus
Comment
The inscriptions are never complete because the dies were cut to strike coins on flans larger than actually used, and the obverse die with the showbread table was considerably larger than the reverse die, as shown in the composite. This is the only ancient Jewish coin depicting the seven-branched menorah. Meshorer speculated that this coin was issued mainly for its propaganda value in the dying days of the reign of the last of the Hasmonean rulers.David Hendin Guide to Biblical Coins Fifth Edition
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Prutah coin of Mattatayah Antigonus is that it features an image of a lily, which was a symbol of purity and innocence in ancient Judean culture.
