Gemini, LLC
Auction 11 12 January 2014
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Judaea. Mattathias Antigonus. 40-37 AD. Prutah, 1.26g (12h). Obv: Mattatayah the High Priest around showbread table. Rx: BAΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΟΥ; seven-branched menorah. Hendin 1168. Beautifully centered. About EF
Other than the first type of the Year One Shekel of the Jewish War, the Menorah coin of Antigonus Mattatias is the most significant and sought-after of all Jewish coins. At the time that this coin was minted the golden show-bread table was considered more relevant than the menorah, which is why it is on the obverse. Possibly because of its relationship to the Christian Mass and the body of Christ our modern perception has changed totally. Less than forty of these coins are recorded. While we hesitate to call anything the finest known, this specimen is marginally better than Bromberg and far better than the two Sheshona examples. A testament to its rarity is the fact that in fifty years this is the first example of this important coin that we have ever had the honor to offer
Other than the first type of the Year One Shekel of the Jewish War, the Menorah coin of Antigonus Mattatias is the most significant and sought-after of all Jewish coins. At the time that this coin was minted the golden show-bread table was considered more relevant than the menorah, which is why it is on the obverse. Possibly because of its relationship to the Christian Mass and the body of Christ our modern perception has changed totally. Less than forty of these coins are recorded. While we hesitate to call anything the finest known, this specimen is marginally better than Bromberg and far better than the two Sheshona examples. A testament to its rarity is the fact that in fifty years this is the first example of this important coin that we have ever had the honor to offer