Lot 15
Judaea, Hasmonean Kingdom. John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan). Æ 1/2 Prutah (0.63 g), 134-104 BCE. Jerusalem. 'Yehohanan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews' (Paleo-Hebrew) in two lines above and below palm branch. Rev. Lily between two grain ears, within circular beaded border. Cf. (TJC grp. C (all with monogram to left of lily); Hendin 1134a). Nice reddish-brown patina. Extremely fine. Estimate $750UP
Purchased privately at the NYINC, December 1990.
It is unclear whether the palm branch on this and the following coin should be interpreted as a Jewish ritual object or as an emblem celebrating one or more of John Hyrcanus' many victories over the Seleukids and other neighboring peoples who were opposed to in-creasing Hasmonean power in the region. The lily on the reverse serves as the emblem of Jerusalem and perhaps a cipher for John Hyrcanus I himself.
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