Valerius Gratus served as procurator of Roman occupied Judea from 15-26 A.D. Appointed by Emperor Tiberius, his service, lasting almost a dozen years, was the longest reign  More »

Valerius Gratus served as procurator of Roman occupied Judea from 15-26 A.D. Appointed by Emperor Tiberius, his service, lasting almost a dozen years, was the longest reign of any Roman procurator in Judea. It was during this period that the seeds of growing Jewish unrest were sown, and Jesus worked as an obscure carpenter in Galilee. As the procurator, Valerius was in charge of the religious affairs of his subjects, the Jews, which included appointing the high priests to the Temple. Valerius issued coins during the majority of the duration of his service. His coins, like all those minted by Roman procurators (with the exception of Pontius Pilate), featured no symbols that were utterly abhorrent to the Jews. Two of his favored symbols were the palm branch, a traditional symbol for the abundance of Judea that was also utilized by the Roman for their “Judea Capta” series commemorating the occupation of ancient Israel, and grapes or the grape vine, an important staple of the Judean economy that also had a religious significance as a ritual offering. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of a long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The struggle of the Jewish people to rule their homeland, as represented by this coin, has finally come to an end in modern times. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought and struggled for their freedom against an oppressive Empire almost two thousand year ago. - (C.0452)   « Less

After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish High Priesthood lost its center and authority. But the dream of rebuilding the Temple still smoldered. Sixty-two years after  More »

After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish High Priesthood lost its center and authority. But the dream of rebuilding the Temple still smoldered. Sixty-two years after the Temple perished in flames, the Roman Emperor Hadrian proposed to build a new city on the site of Jerusalem, including a magnificent new temple dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the former Jewish temple. Hadrian's plans fanned this dream back to flame, and rebellion flared up. Simon Bar Kochba, a Jewish leader of massive physical strength (whom many believed to be the Messiah), rallied the Jews. Caught by surprise, the Roman forces in the region were defeated. Jerusalem and its surrounding area were once again under control of the Jews. A glorious series of coinage was minted by the Jews, containing legends proclaiming the "Freedom of Israel". These coins were usually struck over the top of an existing coin, and you can often make out the remnants of the old design under the new. But the concentrated might of the Romans was brought to bear on the region, and it became clear that Rome would eventually prevail. The rebellion was ultimately crushed, and Simon Bar Kochba was captured by the Romans, who executed him shortly thereafter. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The struggle of the Jewish people to rule their homeland, as represented by this coin, has finally come to an end in modern times. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought and struggled for their freedom against an oppressive empire almost two thousand year ago. - (C.0455)   « Less

Mattatayah Antigonus, the ambitious son of Aristobulus II, led several futile Jewish rebellions against the Romans during his father's imprisonment, only increasing Rome's  More »

Mattatayah Antigonus, the ambitious son of Aristobulus II, led several futile Jewish rebellions against the Romans during his father's imprisonment, only increasing Rome's suspicions of independence-minded Jews. In 43 B.C., the murder of Antipater, the chief supporter of his Roman-aligned uncle, Hyrcanus II, led Antigonus launch a last attempt to seize control of Judea. He was defeated in battle by Antipater's younger son, Herod. But Antigonus allied himself with the Parthians, who were challenging Rome for control of Syria and Palestine. . "[Antigonus] promised [to Parthia] one thousand talents and five hundred women to dispose of Hyrcanus and give the throne to [him] ." Proclaiming Antigonus king, a Parthian force took Jerusalem in 40 B.C., deposed Hyrcanus from power and held Herod's older brother, Phasael, hostage. Herod, however, escaped and rallied Roman support. After the Parthians were defeated by Marc Antony, Antigonus was eventually captured by Herod in 37 B.C., and delivered to the Romans at Antioch, where he was executed, thus marking the transition from the end of the Maccabean Dynasty and the beginning of the Herodian. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The coins of Mattatayah Antigonus include inscriptions in both Hebrew and Greek, indicating the influence of Hellenized areas within Judea. The struggle of Jewish independence, as represented by this coin, has in modern times finally come to an end. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought and struggled for their freedom against an oppressive empire over two thousand year ago. - (C.461)   « Less

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Procurator of Judea from 26 until 36 A.D. Though much literature, both ancient and modern, portrays him as infamous and incompetent, the judge  More »

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Procurator of Judea from 26 until 36 A.D. Though much literature, both ancient and modern, portrays him as infamous and incompetent, the judge who sentenced Jesus to death; however, it may be fairer to say he was a complex man beleaguered by extraordinary circumstances in a difficult time. The world in which Jesus lived was dominated by the Romans, although Rome did make concessions to the sensibilities of other cultures. This powerful coin is a case in point, showing three ears of barley bound together. Out of respect for Jewish sensitivity regarding graven images, coins depicted “still life” subjects such as palm branches, cornucopia, etc. The poignant beauty of this coin matches the simple faith of the most pious. It is a memorial to one of the most momentous eras in history, when Roman paganism, Judaism, and the nascent faith of Christianity all intermingled in the same land. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The coins of Pontius Pilate were circulated in Ancient Israel for over thirty years. They knew the scent of spice-stalls, heard the ranting or merchants, and smelled the sweat and dust of daily works. They were alive to the sounds of Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin voices haggling over prices in the marketplaces or offering prayers to YHVH, Jesus, or Jupiter in temples. This coin, dating from the year of Christ’s crucifixion, is a unique example because it combines the obverse of earlier examples with the reverse of the year 30 A.D. When we hold this coin in our hands, we are transported back in history to one of the most fabled times words have recorded, when the Jewish people struggled to be free from Roman occupation and when the Lord Jesus Christ walk the earth, was tried, and executed. We can still feel the power of these events resonate in the energy of this ancient coin. - (C.729)   « Less

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Procurator of Judea from 26 until 36 A.D. Though much literature, both ancient and modern, portrays him as infamous and incompetent, the judge  More »

Pontius Pilate was the Roman Procurator of Judea from 26 until 36 A.D. Though much literature, both ancient and modern, portrays him as infamous and incompetent, the judge who sentenced Jesus to death; however, it may be fairer to say he was a complex man beleaguered by extraordinary circumstances in a difficult time. The world in which Jesus lived was dominated by the Romans, although Rome did make concessions to the sensibilities of other cultures. This powerful coin is a case in point, showing the curved end of a scepter. Out of respect for Jewish sensitivity regarding graven images, coins depicted “still life” subjects such as palm branches, cornucopia, etc. The simplicity of this particular image is remarkably appropriate, though unintentional, resembling as it does the twisted end of a shepherd’s staff seen in Christian imagery. The poignant beauty of this coin matches the simple faith of the most pious. It is a memorial to one of the most momentous eras in history, when Roman paganism, Judaism, and the nascent faith of Christianity all intermingled in the same land. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The coins of Pontius Pilate were circulated in Ancient Israel for over thirty years. They knew the scent of spice-stalls, heard the ranting or merchants, and smelled the sweat and dust of daily works. They were alive to the sounds of Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin voices haggling over prices in the marketplaces or offering prayers to YHVH, Jesus, or Jupiter in temples. Holding this work in our hands, we are transported back in history to one of the most fabled times words have recorded, when the Jewish people struggled to be free from Roman occupation and when the Lord Jesus Christ walk the earth, was tried, and executed. We can still feel the power of these events resonate in the energy of this ancient coin. - (C.770)   « Less

The ancient Kingdom of Judea reached the height of its power during the reign of the Maccabean (or Hasmonean) King Alexander Jannaeus, who ruled Ancient Israel from 103-76  More »

The ancient Kingdom of Judea reached the height of its power during the reign of the Maccabean (or Hasmonean) King Alexander Jannaeus, who ruled Ancient Israel from 103-76 B.C. The youngest son of Jehohanan Hyrcanus, Jannaeus was imprisoned for a year by his oldest brother, Aristobulus. Released by his widowed sister-in- law, Salome, whom he later married, Alexander conquered a series of coastal cities from Gaza to Carmel, extending Judean control from the Mediterranean to Gadara across the Jordan River. He ruled more territory than any Judean king since the time of Solomon. Yet he faced mounting criticism from Jews inside Jerusalem for embracing the increasing Hellenization of the Near East. Eventually, a civil war erupted between those forces loyal to Jannaeus and the pious rebels who enlisted the aid of King Demetrios of Syria, whose Kingdom, the Seleucids, once ruled the lands of Judea and Samaria before Maccabean Independence. However, after being led to a stunning victory by Demetrios’ forces, the rebels soon realized that the Syrian army planned to march onwards into Jerusalem and they rallied around their King Jannaeus. In the end, Alexander met his fate on the battlefield, on the outskirts of Gadara, ever battling to secure the borders of his Kingdom. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The coins of Alexander Jannaeus include inscriptions in both Hebrew and Greek, indicating the influence of Hellenized areas within Judea. Depicted on the obverse, the lily was regarded as the choicest among flowers, gracing the capitals of the two main pillars that stood at the entrance to the sanctuary. On the reverse, the anchor, depicted upside down, as it might be seen hung on the side of a boat ready for use, was adopted from the Seleucids, who used it to symbolize their naval strength. The struggle of Jewish independence, as represented by this coin, has in modern times finally come to an end. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought to maintain their independence against oppressive empires that sought to dominate them and their land. - (C.0858)   « Less

After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish High Priesthood lost its center and authority. But the dream of rebuilding the Temple still smoldered. Sixty-two years after  More »

After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish High Priesthood lost its center and authority. But the dream of rebuilding the Temple still smoldered. Sixty-two years after the Temple perished in flames, the Roman Emperor Hadrian proposed to build a new city on the site of Jerusalem, including a magnificent new temple dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the former Jewish temple. Hadrian's plans fanned this dream back to flame, and rebellion flared up. Simon Bar Kochba, a Jewish leader of massive physical strength (whom many believed to be the Messiah), rallied the Jews. Caught by surprise, the Roman forces in the region were defeated. Jerusalem and its surrounding area were once again under control of Jews. A glorious series of coinage was minted by the Jews, containing legends proclaiming the "Freedom of Israel". These coins were usually struck over the top of an existing coin, and you can often make out the remnants of the old design under the new. But the concentrated might of the Romans was brought to bear on the region, and it became clear that Rome would eventually prevail. The rebellion was ultimately crushed, and Simon Bar Kochba was captured by the Romans, who put him to death shortly thereafter. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of a long forgotten empire. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The struggle of the Jewish people to rule their homeland, as represented by this coin, has finally come to an end in modern times. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought and struggled for their freedom against an oppressive Empire almost two thousand year ago. - (C.2215)   « Less

Obverse: Laureate Bust of the Emperor Facing Right. Reverse: Victory Flying Right, Holding Wreath in Right Hand and Palm Frond Over Her Shoulder in Left Hand - (C.10294)

Obverse: Laureate Bust of the Emperor Facing Right. Reverse: Victory Flying Right, Holding Wreath in Right Hand and Palm Frond Over Her Shoulder in Left Hand - (C.10294)   « Less

Mattatayah Antigonus, the ambitious son of Aristobulus II, led several futile Jewish rebellions against the Romans during his father's imprisonment, only increasing Rome's  More »

Mattatayah Antigonus, the ambitious son of Aristobulus II, led several futile Jewish rebellions against the Romans during his father's imprisonment, only increasing Rome's suspicions of independence-minded Jews. In 43 B.C., the murder of Antipater, the chief supporter of his Roman-aligned uncle, Hyrcanus II, led Antigonus launch a last attempt to seize control of Judea. He was defeated in battle by Antipater's younger son, Herod. But Antigonus allied himself with the Parthians, who were challenging Rome for control of Syria and Palestine. . "[Antigonus] promised [to Parthia] one thousand talents and five hundred women to dispose of Hyrcanus and give the throne to [him] ." Proclaiming Antigonus king, a Parthian force took Jerusalem in 40 B.C., deposed Hyrcanus from power and held Herod's older brother, Phasael, hostage. Herod, however, escaped and rallied Roman support. After the Parthians were defeated by Marc Antony, Antigonus was eventually captured by Herod in 37 B.C., and delivered to the Romans at Antioch, where he was executed, thus marking the transition from the end of the Maccabean Dynasty and the beginning of the Herodian. How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have the coin traversed on its journey into our possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of who touched the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to after us. More than money, coins are a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific time and place, whether contemporary currencies or artifacts of long forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural details that are often lacking in contemporary machine-made currencies. The coins of Mattatayah Antigonus include inscriptions in both Hebrew and Greek, indicating the influence of Hellenized areas within Judea. The struggle of Jewish independence, as represented by this coin, has in modern times finally come to an end. This coin reconnects us with the past, with those who fought and struggled for their freedom against an oppressive empire over two thousand year ago. - (C.10298)   « Less

Maccabean Bronze Prutah of King Yehohanan Hyrcanus - C.0577. Origin: Israel Circa: 63 BC to 40 BC Collection: Numismatics Style: Maccabean Medium: Bronze

Maccabean Bronze Prutah of King Yehohanan Hyrcanus - C.0577. Origin: Israel Circa: 63 BC to 40 BC Collection: Numismatics Style: Maccabean Medium: Bronze   « Less