Transjordan Mint, 95-76 B.C.

Obverse: Aramaic legend "Malka Alexandros" (King Alexander).

Reverse : Anchor in circle surrounded by Greek inscription.

Lead tesserae. Found in Judea. Excellent condition. Extremely rare.

14-16 mm diameter; 4.1-5.1 g

Worldwide shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority.

Bibliography:
Yaakov Meshorer, “Ancient Jewish Coinage Vol. II”, (New York: 1982)

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Lead tesserae (tokens) were issued by the monarch to the poor to be redeemed for food and other commodities. Meshorer reports the lead tesserae of Alexander Janus are found almost exclusively in Transjordan, as was this example.
Tessera, a square, marked with a certain number of points, to serve as a ticket or a voucher. Tesserae were also small pieces of wood, of bone or of ivory, or of bronze, which received various names, according to the different purposes to which they were applied. Accordingly there were theatrical, gladiatorial, liberal (frumentariae), convivial, military, and hospitable tesserae.

Antique Coins
Ancient coins