Catalogue
| Émetteur | Judea |
|---|---|
| Année | 104 BC - 76 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Prutah |
| Devise | Prutah (140 BC-95 AD) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Poids | 1 g |
| Diamètre | 15 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Hendin 5ᵗʰ#1151 |
| Description de l’avers | Paleo-Hebrew between dots of star with eight (instead rays) within diadem; a Π-like monogram included |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Hebrew |
| Légende de l’avers |
כוהן המלך Π (Translation: Priest the King) |
| Description du revers | Finley engraved letters around round finely engraved anchor |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Translation: of King Alexander) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (104 BC - 76 BC) - - ND (104 BC - 76 BC) - Obverse brockage, unusual since full legend is clear in both impressions - |
| ID Numisquare | 2127660460 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, issued 104-76 BC, is a key artifact from a turbulent period in Judean history. As a Hasmonean king, Jannaeus faced significant internal strife and external pressures, marked by expansionist campaigns and clashes with the Pharisees. These small bronze coins served as everyday currency, embodying Hasmonean sovereignty and the complex interplay of Hellenistic influence with traditional Jewish identity during his controversial reign.
Artistry: Engravers of these Hasmonean issues remain anonymous, working within a localized Judean stylistic school. This style is aniconic and often simplified, adhering to Jewish religious proscriptions. The Hendin 5th#1151 type typically features an anchor on the obverse, frequently with the Greek legend "BASILEWS ALEXANDROU" (King Alexander). The reverse displays an eight-rayed star, often within a diadem, sometimes encircled by the Hebrew legend "Yehonatan HaMelech" (Jonathan the King), rich in symbolic meaning.
Technical/Grading: This bronze prutah, 15mm and 1g, rarely appears in high grade. Critical high-points for the anchor include its flukes and stock; for the star, the central boss and ray tips are key. Technically, coins are frequently hampered by weak and off-center strikes, leading to incomplete legends and design elements. Flans are typically irregular, often thick and not perfectly round, and die wear is commonly pronounced. Consequently, specimens with full, clear details, especially legible legends, are exceptionally rare, making strike quality paramount.