The coin is worn, but I could detect an ancient umbrella on obverse. It might also be a sort of circular parasol or even a canopy in the form of an umbrella. I learned after searching that it was struck in Judaea during the reign of king Herod Agrippa. The Roman procurator was Pontus Pilate. The obverse reads in Greek AGRIPA with one P. The reverse shows 3 barley' ears. The lower left field reads L C referring to the date of year 6 or 42/43 CE. It weighs 2.07 g. which makes it something between a Prutah and a Lepton. I know too little about these denominations. I wonder if such rare coins are still collectible at this poor condition ? Hendin 1244. Thanks for your comments.
It is the most common Prutah issued by Agrippa I, showing a royal fringed umbrella-like canopy on the obverse, on the reverse three ears of barley between two leaves and the year, like yours. It is the only type struck under Agrippa I for circulation in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. Not sure if the date on yours is L - C or L - ς. Got one in 2019, because I think it has an historic value and I liked the patina. Bought at forum ancient coins for $15. 2.208 g, 17.3 mm, die axis 0o Jerusalem mint, year 6 = 42 AD Hendin 1244; RPC I 4981 Ob.: AΓPIΠA BACIΛEWC (of King Agrippa), royal fringed umbrella-like canopy Rev.: three heads of barley between two leaves, flanked by L - ς (year 6)
For around 3 months now I have considered venturing into Jewish coinage but have not taken the step yet. Such interesting little things.
@seth77, I agree that Judaean coinage is very interesting; and some, like myself, acquire them due to their Biblical connections. As @cmezner pointed out, this prutah is a relatively common type. Of several examples in my collection, I just selected two with contrasting patinas for capture with a quick cell phone pic: Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great and the Hasmonean princess, Miriamne I. His father was Aristobulus IV. His father and his grandmother were both executed by Herod the Great. In March 2019, I posted the following about this coin: 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.
