This is a rather rare Judaean coin by comparison to the many coins of John Hyrcanus (I). I was fortunate to acquire one with excellent centering of inscription and devices. I always assumed John Hyrcanus II was the son of John Hyrcanus (the first) but that was not the case. I had the lineage chronology wrong. He was the son of Alexander Jannaeus. Anyway, as I will continue to say—I’m not an expert—I’m just a guy who wants to hold in his hands the coins from the land where Jesus walked. This excellent coin was purchased from the always helpful and superb Mr. Chip Vaughn of Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery.
My JH2 is not nearly as nice but demonstrates that the coins were struck in strips and cut apart into singles. This one had a start of a cut into the flan which was repeated parallel to it over where it belonged. I also note that mine was struck with the tapered edges of the flan on the cornucopia side while DR's coin was the opposite.
*ping* (Light bulb over LordM's head) What about a @Deacon Ray photo book where each member contributes one set of high-quality coin photos of one of their favorite pieces, and a short 1-4 sentence paragraph writeup about it? One member's coin per page. And then they all got the Deacon Ray treatment? Would you buy a book that featured your favorite coin and your friends' favorites, too? I sure would! Don't wanna speak for anybody else's time, but I would offer my services as copy editor. DR could do the graphical magic, and perhaps @dougsmit or one of you other numismatic experts could be the technical advisor.
Was referring to numismatic technical advisorship. Confirmation of attributions. Historical fact-checking. That sorta thing.
Would this be open to all areas of numismatics? I think you have a legitimately awesome idea here. You have my green light vote
I agree with @Mat : Your Prutah has a great patina, well centered, and solid detail. Nice capture Ray!
Sorry for the thread hijack. I am unfortunately so underinformed on Judaean coins, I seldom have anything intelligent to add to a discussion about them. I do find their history quite interesting, but they're like the dark side of the moon for me. A terra as yet incognita, if you will.
Awesome pick up, Deacon Ray! I echo your thoughts about how amazing it is to be able to hold these coins in our hands! I’m totally down for this. Although my photography skills are less than zilch. Erin
@Deacon Ray, "I’m just a guy who wants to hold in his hands the coins from the land where Jesus walked". + 1. I really enjoy your posts. This is what has me developing an interest in ancient coins. I really don't know much (as in, just above nothing!) about them, but, your posts have me intrigued and searching. Thanks again, Kenneth
