Judaea, Hasmonean Kingdom. John Hyrcanus I. Æ Prutah (1.55 g), 134-104 BCE. Jerusalem. 'Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews' (Paleo-Hebrew) in four lines within wreath; above, A. Reverse: Double cornucopiae adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between horns. Hendin 1132; TJC grp. A. Earthen-brown patina. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $100 - 130
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
This prutah features the distinctive types - a Paleo-Hebrew legend enclosed within a wreath on the obverse, and a double cornucopiae with poppy on the reverse - that would be associated with the Hasmonean dynasty from the time of John Hyrcanus I until the disastrous reign of Mattathias II Antigonus (40-37 BCE). It was even resurrected by Herod the Great as means of establishing his connection to the Hasmonean house and giving himself an air of legitimacy as its successor.