Prutah - Judah Aristobulus I

Émetteur Judea
Année 104 BC
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Prutah
Devise Prutah (140 BC-95 AD)
Composition Bronze
Poids 2.47 g
Diamètre
Épaisseur
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique
Orientation
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Hendin 5ᵗʰ#1142
Description de l’avers Peleo-Hebrew in wedged-style characters within wreath
Écriture de l’avers Hebrew
Légende de l’avers יהו דה הכה ן הגדו וחבר ה יהד
(Translation: Yehudah the Heigh Priest and the Council of the Jews)
Description du revers Double cornucopia adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between horns, border of dots
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage ND (-104) - -
ID Numisquare 3423405710
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This Prutah was issued by Judah Aristobulus I, the first Hasmonean ruler to assume the title of King (Basileus) of Judea, reigning 104-103 BC. His brief, pivotal reign marked a significant departure from the High Priesthood, establishing a Hellenistic-style monarchy. This coin is a tangible artifact of that transformative period, reflecting Judea's political and religious shifts as it asserted sovereignty.

Artistry: The design of this Prutah (Hendin 5th#1142) blends Hellenistic numismatic conventions with Judean iconography. No individual engraver is known; the style is characteristic of provincial Hellenistic minting. The obverse features an olive wreath encircling a Hebrew inscription identifying "Yehudah the High Priest and the Council of the Jews." The reverse displays a double cornucopia, a common symbol of abundance, encircled by the Greek inscription "BASILEWS ARISTOBOULOU" (King Aristobulus), unequivocally declaring his royal status.

Technical/Grading: Strike quality for these bronze Prutot varies considerably. High-points for wear and strike include the wreath details and Hebrew lettering on the obverse, and the cornucopia elements and Greek legend on the reverse. Coins are frequently found with off-center strikes, irregular planchets, and peripheral weakness. Full legibility of both inscriptions and well-defined cornucopia details are crucial for higher grades, as is the overall centering.

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