Tonight on the Science Channel was a show (Biblical Conspiracies S1 Ep4) presenting the proposed ID of remains of Judean king Mattatayah Antigonus (40-37 BC). In his honor I'll post an AE prutah (1.5g) I got as part of a mixed group from David Hendin years ago. This was one of the uglier in the group but this king seems to come in off center, ugly or worse more often than not. I believe there is enough detail to show the Hebrew as retrograde which is common for these, I'm told, and possibly normal to avoid letter combinations that might have been considered sacrilegious. In theory the coin shows crossed cornucopiae and a Hebrew legend in a wreath but these do require a bit of practice to decipher. I find the flan interesting. It was cast in a two part mold which were not aligned properly leaving ledges on both sides. Does anyone know details about these or have other coins of this ruler? This same show goes on to discuss other controversial theories which I am not saying all will accept but there are interesting topics for other days.
Very cool coin ... ... but sadly, I didn't catch that show (I was watching Monday Night Football) ... both sound like a pretty good watch!! *rats* ... I don't have an example from Judean king Mattatayah Antigonus, but I do have a couple of Prutah examples (hopefully you'll let them hang-out with your Prutah?) Judaea Alexander Jannaeus AE Prutah 103-76 BC Anchor & Star of eight rays Judaea Herod Agrippa I AE Prutah 41-42 AD Canopy & Three ears of grain
I was at work and when I got home, I had to watch one of my moms awefully hallmark movies -_- I'll try and catch it on demand though. The local shop may have one, I'll have to check now. The have a few I didnt recognize by name.
