Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd
Auction 125 24-27 Nov 2020
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PALESTINE, Judaea, Herod I, (40 - 4 B.C.), copper two prutah, AE 19, (4.81 g), obv. cross surrounded by closed diadem, around BA**SILE[WS] HRWDO*Y, rev. tripod table flanked by palm branches, dotted border, (S.5527, AJC 7 [p.236], H.1178a [490], Meshorer 49b, HGC 10, 654). Attractive earthern patination, full flan, very fine, scarce.
Ex Dr Lawrence D. Sporty Collection, from CNG eSale 384, 12 October 2016 (lot 333).
The diadem with cross is a well known symbol for royalty. The hint of the interpretation of this symbol is provided in the Babylonian Talmud. (Kerithoth 5,2 "Our rabbis have taught: `In anointing kings one draws the figure of a crown (diadem) and with the priest in the shape of the letter chi' (cross)."). This symbolism is similar to a group of the coins issued by Herod. Herod was not a priest he but may have used his coinage to describe symbolically the co-operation between the kingship (the diadem) and the priesthood (chi or cross). The coins probably indicate the removal of the high priesthood from the hands of the previous dynasty by Herod and the subsequent investiture of a priest under government control. Consequently Herod had some association with the priesthood.
Ex Dr Lawrence D. Sporty Collection, from CNG eSale 384, 12 October 2016 (lot 333).
The diadem with cross is a well known symbol for royalty. The hint of the interpretation of this symbol is provided in the Babylonian Talmud. (Kerithoth 5,2 "Our rabbis have taught: `In anointing kings one draws the figure of a crown (diadem) and with the priest in the shape of the letter chi' (cross)."). This symbolism is similar to a group of the coins issued by Herod. Herod was not a priest he but may have used his coinage to describe symbolically the co-operation between the kingship (the diadem) and the priesthood (chi or cross). The coins probably indicate the removal of the high priesthood from the hands of the previous dynasty by Herod and the subsequent investiture of a priest under government control. Consequently Herod had some association with the priesthood.