Okay, I recently picked up this coin at auction, and would like to hear what you think of it. Sorry if it's upside down or sideways, but it's so small and dark I couldn't tell how to orient it.
Nice one. These can be quite crude. Here's mine for orientation AΓΡI ΠA BACIΛEWC King Agrippa umbrella canopy with fringes Three ears of barley between two leaves flanked by date L - ς (year 6). Jerusalem Mint 41-42 AD Bronze Prutah Hendin 1244
I have several examples of this type, but had no photos of any of them until I snapped the one below with my cell phone. The earthen patina on this particular coin contrasts well with the images. On the obverse, the royal canopy/umbrella was a symbol of the power of King Agrippa, who ruled from AD 37 to 44. His persecution of Christians is recorded in Acts 12. He executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter. When God released Peter, Herod executed 16 soldiers who were assigned to guard him. Herod Agrippa's death is recorded at the end of this chapter. People of Tyre and Sidon were seeking peace with him because their country was fed by Judea (likely including barley (depicted on the reverse of this coin) and other grains). While Herod was giving an address in his royal apparel, the people kept crying out, "The voice of a god and not of a man." Because he did not give God the glory, Agrippa was struck down by an angel of the Lord. Claudius was the emperor at this time. The first century historian Josephus mentioned this event also: When Agrippa had reigned three years over Judaea, he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar; on the second day of which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning, the silver of his garment reflecting the sun's rays, spreading a horror over those that looked .... His flatterers cried, from one place, and another, that he was a god, adding, Be merciful to us; for, although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature .... Presently a severe pain arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner .... Herod said, "I whom you call a god am presently commanded to depart this life .... I am bound to accept what Providence allots." --Flavius Josephus, Antiquities and Wars of the Jews, translated by William Whiston (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston), p. 582.
Here is my only one. Herod Agrippa was quite a character. He was raised in Rome with Drusus, son of Tiberius, and Claudius, his nephew. Not in one of his glorious moment, he later said to Gaius (Caligula), his new friend, that he wish him to be the emperor. The problem is that Tiberius heard about it and put him in jail for many months...but finally Tiberius died and guess who became the next emperor ? Not long after that, he was named king of territories where Philip, his uncle who just died, was the ruler. After Caligula’s assasination, he became the negotiator between the Senate and Claudius. Finally, at the end of his life, he was as powerful as his grandfather Herod the great. But what a disgusting death he had, eaten up with worms , according to the Bible !
Thanks, I wasn't sure exactly what the story behind it was. But why do the other images in this thread show stalks of wheat and mine don't? Were there different designs during his reign?
Okay, barley, then. Here in the Midwest we see three stalks, it's wheat.. But your coin doesn't seem to be like mine. Why the difference?
Never mind, I just noticed the stalks of whatever. That's what I get for not knowing how to orient the coin.
Very nice, @John Skelton I've always liked the design of this coin. Here are a few of my Agrippa coins (with a few others mixed in) [/QUOTE]
I don't know if I will get too deep into ancient coins, but I did like this coin because of the biblical connection. I'll be looking for more in the future.
