I don't know why I held off so long acquiring one of these large Judaean bronzes struck by Agrippa II for Vespasian. The portraits are a treat and the numismatic story behind them is quite intriguing. Vespasian [Agrippa II] Æ30, 16.75g Caesarea Paneas, 73-74 AD Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥΕϹΠΑϹΙ ΚΑΙϹΑΡΙ ϹΒΑΣΤΩ (sic); Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: ΕΤ ΔΙ - ΒΑ / ΑΓΡΙ-ΠΠΑ; Tyche with calathos standing, l., holding cornucopia and two corn-ears RPC 2243 (4 spec.). Hendin 1301. Acquired from David Hendin, eBay, June 2020. Ex Goldberg 110, 4-5 June 2019, lot 1776 (part). Ex Shlomo Moussaieff Collection. Agrippa II sporadically struck coinage for the Flavian dynasty throughout his long reign. The coins circulated within his kingdom (Northern Palestine) and were likely coined at Caesaera Panesa, although the mint is not certain (Hendin places it at Caesarea Maritima). Confusingly, Agrippa's mint(s) employed two different dating eras for his coinage - one starting in 56 and the second in 60 or 61. This large bronze struck in the name Vespasian is dated regnal year 14 by the second era and was produced in either 73 or 74 AD. RPC suggests this issue could possibly commemorate the Roman victory at Masada which occurred around the same time. But taking into account Agrippa's high profile role during the Jewish war the coins could simply be a by-product of his fidelity to the Flavian regime. Although, the notion that the coin has a tie-in to the Masada siege is a more exciting one! At any rate, the piece has a wonderful portrait with hints of desert patina. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the coin comes from 'Mr. Biblical Coins' himself David Hendin. Feel free to post your 'Biblical' coins.
hmmm. Interesting. I would agree with this coin commemorating Masada, it would make the most sense from that time period. I don't have any biblical coins, but here's my most recently acquired AES GRAVE.
@David Atherton...VERY nice coin!...Not just the portrait but the reverse too! First Jewish Revolt against Rome, 66 - 73 CE - Bronze Prutah Masada Coin 17mm/2.85gr. Obverse..Vine leaf with small branch and tendril, surrounded by the inscription "Harut Zion"-('freedom of Zion'). Reverse..Amphora with wide rim, fluted belly and two handles, Paleo-Hebrew inscription 'year two' 67 CE.
Probably the most famous Biblical coin is the Tribute Penny. It used to be assumed that this penny was the Tiberius denarius but the Augustus Gaius and Lucius Caesars denarius is gaining more acceptance of being the coin from the Bible. I'm guessing we will never know for sure. Fourree Ruler: Tiberius (Augustus) Coin: Bronze/Silver Fourree Denarius Fourree TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS - Laureate head right PONTIF MAXIM - Livia, as Pax, holding branch and sceptre, seated right; plain legs to chair with double line below. Mint: Lugdunum (Lyon) mint (18-35AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 2.80g / 19mm / 360 Rarity: Common References: RIC 1 30 (c), Group 4 (official) BMCRE I 48 (official) RSC II 16a (official) SRCV I 1763 (official) Giard Lyon, Group 4, 150 Acquisition/Sale: numismatellusstabilit Ebay $0.00 12/17 Notes: Jun 13, 18 - The Gary R. Wilson Collection Group 4, c. 18 - 35 A.D. Obverse: Tiberius is depicted as an older man. One of the ribbons of Tiberius' laurel wreath falls over his neck. Reverse: No base under the throne (just the single exergual line), Pax usually holds scepter (or rarely a reversed spear), her feet rest on a low footstool. Aureus: Giard Lyon, Group 4, 149; RIC I 29 (R); BMCRE I 46; Calico 305b (S.1); Cohen 15; SRCV I 1760 - Rare Denarius: Giard Lyon, Group 4, 150; RIC I 30 (C); BMCRE I 48; RSC II 16a; SRCV I 1763 - Common (approximately half of all Tiberius denarii are this type)
Nice coin and description, @David Atherton! Here's another coin that was contemporaneous with the 73/4 AD fall of Masada- this one with an obverse of Titus, who led the 70 AD siege against Jerusalem as general, and reigned as emperor as the first Jewish-Roman War was brought to an end with the overthrow of remaining Jewish strongholds, ending with Masada under the leadership of General Silva. Gadara, Decapolis. Titus as Caesar (69-79 AD). AE (17 mm, 4.10 g, 12 h). TITOΣ KAIΣAP; Laureate head of Titus right / Turreted, veiled and draped bust of Tyche right; to left, ΓΑΔΑPA (Gadara); to right, date: L ZΛP (year 137 = 73/4 AD). Spijkerman 29.
@Spaniard, I like the way you highlighted the Paleo-Hebrew script on the "year 2 coin" of the First Jewish-Roman War. My favorite "year 2" coin in my collection is the one below. I really like the way the jade-green patina "matches" the subject of the reverse, the grape vine leaf. Judaea, The Jewish War. Æ Prutah (2.69 g). 66-70 CE. Jerusalem, year 2 (67/8 CE). 'Year two' (Paleo-Hebrew), amphora with broad rim and two handles. / 'The freedom of Zion' (Paleo-Hebrew), vine leaf on small branch with tendril. Hendin 1360.
Here are two of the "year 3" prutot: Judaea, The Jewish War. Æ Prutah. Year 3 (68-69 AD). Amphora with broad rim, two handles, and a conical lid decorated with tiny globes hanging around edge. Hebrew legend "year three" / Grape leaf on vine, Hebrew legend "the freedom of Zion."
Great addition David. The only biblical I possess is the one that almost every collector owns and is supposedly connected with the famous passage in the bible about the tribute money: Tiberius' tribute penny.
Cool provincial, @David Atherton , and with an admirable pedigree! Mark 12:42 καὶ ἐλθοῦσα μία χήρα πτωχὴ ἔβαλεν λεπτὰ δύο, ὅ ἐστιν κοδράντης. "And one poor widow came and threw two leptons, which is a quadrans." Two leptons: A quadrans:
Some say the Jewish Revolt didn't end in 73/74 with the destruction of Masada, but rather with quelling of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132-135. We can only imagine the psychological impact of the rebels striking coins declaring "For the freedom of Jerusalem" over Flavian denarii. Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.22 g), 132-135 CE. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). O: 'Simon' (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion at top and tendrils at bottom. R: 'For the freedom of Jerusalem' (Paleo-Hebrew), fluted jug with handle on left; in right field, willow branch. Partial portrait of Domitian to left. - Hendin 1418; Mildenberg 79 (O14/R51); TJC 283., ex S. Moussaieff Collection.
IVDAEA Judaea Maccabean 135-37 BC AE Lepta Widows Mite Judaea Alexander Janneaeus 103-76 BCE AE Prutah Wheel Widows Mite Judaea Pontius Pilate 14-37 CE - Prutah TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC Lituus Hendin 1342 Judaea Pontius Pilate - Prutah Julia - IOYLIA KAICAPOC Julia Caesar - LIVIA wife of Augustus Hendin 1341 Judaea Claudius w-Britannicus CE 41-54 Æ Prutah 17mm 2.8g Antonius Felix-procurator Dated RY 14 54 CE 2-crossed shields spears - Palm tree BPIT K AI L IΔ date Hendin 1348
I chose 2 models. The first is a superb modern reproduction hinting to the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. Antigonous (Hasmonians). Menorah is there to revive the enthusiasm of the defenders in the Holy City. The second coin represents King Agrippa II, being the last Herodian king of Judaea.
I have wanted one of those with a Flavian under type for a long time. Beautiful piece Nemo. I never tire of seeing it.
I have wanted one of those with a Flavian under type for a long time. Beautiful piece Nemo. I never tire of seeing it.
