Tag Archive for: coins

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Quarter Dinar of Al-Mansūr (1020 CE)

A gold Quarter Dinar, minted in Sicily under Al-Mansūr al-Hakim, the Fatimid Caliph who declared himself a prophet, founding the Druze religion in 1017. Al-Mansūr was infamous for the persecution of Jews and Christians under his rule, until his mysterious disappearance in 1021. Obverse: Center Arabic inscription — al-Ḥākim bi-Amr Allāh, Commander of the Faithful; Surrounding — In the name of Allāh, this coin was struck in Siciliy in the (Hijri) year three hundred and ninety five. Reverse: Center Arabic inscription — Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh and Ali is the friend of Allāh; Surrounding — There is no god but Allāh, He has no partner with him, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh and Ali is the friend of Allāh
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Constantinian Dynasty (330/335 CE)

A bronze coin minted in Thessalonica, during the early days of the Constantinian dynasty. Obverse: A helmeted warrior with spear, representing the spirit of Constantinopolis Reverse: The goddess of victory posing on a ship’s prow Date: 330–335 CE
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Eighth Shekel (69/70 CE)

A bronze Quarter Shekel, minted in Jerusalem during the fourth year of the Great Revolt. Obverse: Chalice surronded by the Hebrew legend “For the redemption of Zion” Reverse: A bundle lulav (palm branch) between two Etrogim (citrons), surrounded by the Hebrew legend “Year four” Date: 69/70 CE
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Half Shekel (66/67 CE)

A silver Half Shekel coin, minted during the first year of the Great Revolt. These coins were probably minted on the Temple Mount itself during the First Revolt to enable the payment of the Temple tax. “This they shall give, everyone that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary” (Exodus 30:13) Obverse: Branch with three pomegranates, surrounded by the Ancient Hebrew legend “Holy Jerusalem” Reverse: Chalice topped by the letter א, signifying the first year of the Great Revolt, surrounded by the Hebrew legend “Half a Shekel” Date: 66/67 CE
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Agrippa I (41/42 CE)

Bronze coin of Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod. Obverse: Royal canopy Reverse: 3 ears of wheat Date: 41/42 CE
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Pontius Pilates (29/30 CE) – Roman Procurator

A bronze coin minted in Jerusalem under Emperor Tiberius and Prefect Pontius Pilate, during whose reign Jesus was crucified. Obverse: A depiction of a Simpulum, which was a small vessel or ladle used at sacrifices to make libations. I was a sign of Roman priesthood. Reverse: Three ears of grain. Date: 29/30 CE
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Marcus Ambivulus (9/10 CE) – Roman Procurator

A bronze coin, minted in Jerusalem under the rule of Marcus Ambivulus, appointed by Augustus as the first Prefect of the province of Judah. Obverse: Ear of grain Reverse: Palm Tree Date: 9/10 CE
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Herod the Great (37 BCE – 4 CE)

A bronze coin, minted in Jerusalem under Herod. Known as Herod the Builder for his numerous construction projects, his magnum opus was the renovation of the Temple, prompting the saying: “One who has not seen Herod’s building has never seen a beautiful building in his life”. The entire construction was achieved using huge precisely-fitted stone blocks. The platform upon which the Temple stood was also expanded, making it the lagest Temenos (Sacred compound) of the ancient world at that time, giving the Temple Mount the shape and dimensions it retains to this today. Obverse: Anchor surrounded by legend. Reverse: A caduceus (staff of Hermes) between two cornucopia. Date: 37 BCE – 4 CE
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Alexander Jannaeus (80-79 BCE)

A Bronze coin minted in Jerusalem under Alexander Jannaeus, the longest reigning Hasmonean monarch. Coins minted during his reign, particularly the bronze prutah, remained in circulation for many decades, till the end of the Second Temple Period. Obverse: Anchor within a circle Reverse: Eight-pointed star Date: 80–79 BCE
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John Hyrcanus (125–105 BCE)

A bronze coin minted in Jerusalem, under the king and high priest John Hyrcanus, the first of the Hasmoneans to issue coins. Obverse: Paleo-Hebrew inscription in wreath: “Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews”. Reverse: A pomegranate between two cornucopia. Date: 125–105 BCE
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Ptolemy III (230-222 BCE)

A bronze coin minted in Tyre, under Ptolemy III. Obverse: Bearded head of Zeus-Ammon, facing left Reverse: Twin symbols of Zeus — an eagle standing on a thunderbolt Date: 230–222 BCE
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Antiochus IV (173–168 BCE)

A bronze coin minted in Ptolemais (Acre), bearing the visage of Antiochus IV, the infamous king whose edicts brought about the Maccabean revolt in 167 BCE. Obverse: Antiochus IV, facing right Reverse: Image of a veiled goddess (Persephone or Demeter) Date: 175–164 BCE