Judaea, Hasmonean Kingdom. John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan). Æ 1/2 Prutah (0.63 g), 134-104 BCE. Jerusalem. 'Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews' (Paleo-Hebrew) in two lines above and below palm branch. Rev. Lily between two grain ears, within circular beaded border. Cf. TJC grp. C (all with monogram to left of lily); Hendin 1134a. Nice reddish-brown patina. About Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $300 - 400
The Brody Family Collection; Purchased privately at the NYINC, December 1990.
It is unclear whether the palm branch on this and the following coin should be interpreted as a Jewish ritual object or as an emblem celebrating one or more of John Hyrcanus' many victories over the Seleukids and other neighboring peoples who were opposed to in-creasing Hasmonean power in the region. The lily on the reverse serves as the emblem of Jerusalem and perhaps a cipher for John Hyrcanus I himself.