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Hi Everyone, I have learned a great deal about the Herod’s while putting together this newsletter and hope you enjoy and find it informative too. I don’t know about anyone else, but while looking at coins and their descriptions, I always find myself wondering what some of the descriptions and symbols mean and will always have to search all over the internet looking for explanations of all of the different terms such as the pomegranate, a cross, anchor, grapes, etc. So I have added definitions (in blue) as they arise in the coins descriptions and hope this makes life a little easer as you learn about Herodian coins. These definitions are pretty simple and to the point, but there is a lot of information out there and I will list a few of the web sites that I found to be very informative at the end of the newsletter, if you want to pursue an in-depth study of a specific coin and its symbols. Would like to hear from you if you have a particular interest you would like information on, I will be glad to use it for a topic for one of the newsletters. Again, I hope you enjoy the newsletter. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sue McIntyre dddddddddcddddddddddddddddddddd COINS OF THE HEROD FAMILY ddddddddddcdddddddddddddddddddd Herod the Great
son of Antipater Born 37BC – Died 4BC
Ordered the deaths of all male babies at the time of Christ’s birth. Herod, the son of Hyrcanus' advisor Antipater, was proclaimed King of Judaea by the Roman Senate in 40 BCE and his long reign gave opportunity for a wide variety of coinage, or several denominations, all in bronze. Denominations included the lepton (the smallest standard Greek coin size) and the prutah (the smallest standard Jewish size), and multiples of the prutah. The most common symbols throughout Herod's coins are various implements used in religious ceremonies: an incense burner, a tripod table. Next in popularity were military equipment, shields and helmets. The palm branch and anchor make their appearance, as do the pomegranate. No Hebrew lettering appears on these coins -- only KING HEROD in Greek, BASILEOS ERODOU.
Herod the Great, 37 BCE, AE 8 prutah, 6.8 g, 7/8", O: Tripod (example right), ceremonial bowl (lebes) above, date LT (Year 3) and monogram TP in field 1 and "of King Herod" around in Greek R: Military helmet facing, wreath featuring acanthus leaf around, cheek pieces and straps.
A three-legged stand, usually serving to support a seat or a large bowl (cortina = Greek lebes). It was especially associated with Apollo, because the priestess of the god at Delphi transmitted prophecies while seated on a tripod. At Rome, it also served as a symbol of the priesthood of the Quindecimviri Sacris Faciundis, who had charge of the Sibylline oracles. A common plant of the Mediterranean, whose stylized leaves form the characteristic decoration on Corinthian and composite capitals. The acanthus leaves may have symbolized the arts or steadfastness, or they were just decorative.
Smaller bronze of Herod the Great, depicting helmet. 37 BCE, AE 4 prutah, O: Crested helmet flanked by date and monogram TP "of King Herod" around in Greek HRWDOU BASILEWS HRWDOU BASILEWS R: Shield with decorated rim. AE 2 Prutah. 2.81g. Dated year 3, 37 BCE. Winged caduceus and Greek inscription, "King Herod". Rv. Pomegranate on branch.
The Caduceus is the wing-topped staff, with two snakes winding about it, carried by Hermes. According to one myth it was given to him by Apollo. The caduceus was carried by Greek heralds and ambassadors and became a roman symbol for truce, neutrality, and noncombatant status. Herod was a friend to Rome and the caduceus was an appropriate symbol in that regard. The pomegranate was one of the seven celebrated products of Palestine and among the fruits brought to the temple as offerings of the first-fruits. Two hundred pomegranates decorated each of the two columns in the temple and were an integral part of the sacred vestment of the high priest, as bells and pomegranates were suspended from his mantle.
AE 2 Prutah. Tripod showbread table with bread flanked by two branches. Rv. Cross surrounded by open diadem; Greek inscription, "King Herod".
The showbread table stood in the mishkan (and later in the Temple) on the northern side, adjacent to the menorah. At its head was a framework of gold and on its corners were four rings which held pieces of material used to carry the table. Twelve loaves of bread were placed in two sets on the table, together with frankincense, and were replaced once a week.
A wreath or garland, or a crown. The diadem symbolized royalty.
The cross found on coins of Herod the Great is actually the letter "CHI" which symbolized the power of the high priest. Since Herod was not the high priest, his use of this symbol was probably intended to reinforce his control of the temple through "His" high priest.
Herod the Great, AE Prutah. Anchor with Greek inscription, "King Herod". Rv. Double Cornucopia; caduceus and dots in center.
The anchor was adopted from the Selukid's, who used it to symbolize their naval strength. Anchors are depicted upside down, as they would be seen hung on the side of a boat ready for use.
The cornucopia was a hollow animal horn used as a container. One of the most popular religious symbols of the ancient world, the cornucopia is also knows as the "Horn of Plenty"
Herod the Great, 40 B.C.E.-4 B.C.E. AE Prutah, M-5AE Prutah. Aphlaston flanked by date and monogram in fields to l. and r. Rv. Palm branch with fillets or leaves.
The aphlaston was a fan-like ornament at the stern of ancient galleys in which the up curving timbers of the hull terminated. Herod the Great, AE Lepton. Anchor and Greek inscription, "King Herod." Rv. Galley. Herod the Great, 40 B.C.E.-4 B.C.E. AE Prutah. Eagle std. r. Rv. Cornucopiae and abbreviated Greek inscription, "King Herod". ddddddddddcdddddddddddddddddddd Archelaus son of Heord the Great Ruled 4BC – 6BC
Joseph took Mary north of Galilee because they were afraid of Herod Archelaus.
Archelaus was appointed "ethnarch" over Judea, Samaria, Idumaea (north-south axis of Judea). He failed at governing and was removed, and authority over these areas was transferred from the Jews to Roman civil servants, the "procurators." The coins of Archelaus bear maritime symbols, anchors and ships; the usual cornucopia and palm branches; a helmet; a bunch of grapes. They bear only Greek inscriptions, variations on HEROD and ETHNARCH, often abbreviated.
Herod Archelaus,4 BCE to 6 CE, prutah, AE, 2.2g, 9/16" dia., O: Bunch of grapes on vine with small leaf on left; above "Herod" in Greek R: Tall helmet with crest and cheekstraps viewed from front, caduceus below, below "ethnarch" in Greek.
Ethnarch in the Greco-Roman world, one that stood at the head of any community, though not an independent ruler. Archelaus was deemed unworthy of the title of "king," and received simply that of "ethnarch".
Grapes, the vine and wine were an important part of the ancient economy and ritual. Grapes were brought to the temple as offerings of the first-fruits and wine was offered upon the alter. The vine and grapes decorated the sacred vessels in the sanctuary and a golden vine with clusters of grapes stood at its entrance. AE Prutah. . Prow of galley r. Rv. Greek inscription, "ethnarch" within wreath.
Herod Archelaus, O: double cornucopias, adorned with grapes, "Herod" R: War galley facing left, oars, cabin, "Ethnarch"
The galley refers to Archelaus voyage to Rome at the beginning of his reign. His father had modified his will, naming Archeleus younger brother, Antipas, King. Archelaus sailed to Rome to appeal and was awarded a large share of the kingdom and the title Ethnarch. The galley reminded those that thought to challenge him that he had the backing of Rome.
Herod Archelaus, 4 BCE.-6 CE M-1var. AE Prutah. Anchor and Greek inscription, "Herod." Rv. Cornucopia.
Herod Antipas – aka – Herod the Tetrarch son of Heord the Great Born 21BC – Died 39AD
ruled from 4 BC to AD 39
Herod Antipas ordered the execution of John the Baptist. Pontius Pilate
sent Jesus to Herod for judgment: "As soon as he know that he belonged
unto Herod's Jurisdiction he sent him to Herod who himself was also in
Jerusalem at the time. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he
answered him nothing...And mocking him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous
robe, and sent him again to Pilate." (Luke 23:7-15) Herod Antipas (tetrarch of Galilee 4 BCE– 39 CE) controlled Galilee and Perea during most of the life time of Jesus and began to issue coins only after he founded and settled his new capital Tiberias. All his coins are dated. The earliest date is from the 24th year of his reign (19/20 CE). On his coins he is called Herod, but they can easily be distinguished as they bear his title "tetrarch." The emblems on his coins are all of flora such as the reed, the palm branch, a bunch of dates, and a palm tree. Though the emblems are the same on all denominations, three denominations can be distinguished. One side showed a wreath that surrounded the legend "Tiberias"; only the series of the last year refered to Gaius Caligula. All the coins of Antipas are rare and very rare in better than poor condition. They were minted with an inferior alloy that was particularly susceptible to corrosion and wear. The coins were minted in Tiberias, a capitol city founded by Antipas c. 19 A.D. and named for Tiberius
4 BCE to 40 CE AE 19. 6.03g. Dated year 34=30 CETiberias mint. Palm branch with Greek inscription,"Herod the tetrarch" and date. Rv. TIBEPIACwithin wreath. Tetrarch means "ruler of one fourth" in Greek. ddddddddddcdddddddddddddddddddd Phillip son of Herod the Great Phillip married Herodias daughter of his brother Aristobulus. He is named in Matthew 14:3, Mark 6:17-29, Luke 3:1, and Luke 3:19. Son of Herod the Great, Philip was educated with his older brothers, Archelaus and Antipas in Rome. He inherited the northern part of his father's kingdom. Augustus denied him the title king and gave him the title tetrarch. Philip was a peace-loving man and a good administrator. He was the first Jewish ruler to put his own portrait on coins.
Herod Philip, 4 B.C.E.-34 C.E. Meshorer 5,AE 18. Dated year 19=15/16 C.E. Laureate hd. of Tiberius r. Rv. Tetrastyle temple; Greek inscription, "Philip Tetrarch" and date. A method of designating or distinguishing the temples is by the number of columns in front, thus temples are called tetrastyle, hexastyle, octastyle, that is having four, six, or eight columns. ddddddddddcdddddddddddddddddddd
Herod Agrippa I aka Marcus Julius Agrippa
Son of Aristobulus Born 10BC – Died 44AD
Herod Agrippa I was responsible for the persecution of the early church. He also arrested John and Peter and beheaded James brother of John. The eldest son of the executed Aristobulus, Herod Agrippa I, was a man of some ability. Out of friendship Caligula made him king (A.D. 39) of Philip's tetrarchy; later he was made ruler of S Syria and of Palestine east and west of the Jordan. Herod Agrippa I was strongly pro-Jewish, and he built extensively at Berytus (now modern Beirut). The most common coin of Agrippa and also the only coin issued for
circulation in his Jewish territories. was bronze prutah show below with
the umbrella like canopy and the three ears of grain. All of his
other coins of Herod Agrippa I contain graven images - portraits of the
Emperor or even the Jewish ruler himself. Herod Agrippa I, prutah,42 ce (year 6),prutah,AE, 2.9g, 5/8" dia., O: Umbrella like canopy(of King Agrippa) R: Three ears of graingrowing between two leaves (LS=year 6)
Umbrella: The umbrella or royal canopy was used to portray power and government. Herod Agrippa I, portrait right. Tyche right. TYCHE: A Greek goddess, originally of fortune and chance, and then of prosperity. She was a very popular goddess and several Greek cities choose her as their protectress.
of himself and his son, Agrippa II ddddddddddcdddddddddddddddddddd Herod Agrippa II
Son of Herod Agrippa I
This is the Herod before whom Paul presented his defense.
The last ruler of the Herodian line - Agrippa II - reigned for an impressive 43 years (50-96 CE).
Coins issued by Agrippa II include both Jewish and pagan types. AE 18. Struck under Domitian in year 24=84/5 C.E. Laureate hd. of Domitian r. Rv. Nike std.r. inscribing shield; Greek inscription, "King Herod."
NIKE: Was the Greek goddess of victory in mythology. She was called Victoria in Roman mythology. The proper pronunciation of the name Nike is "Nee kay". AE 24. Mint of Caesarea Panias. Struck under Nero, Rv. Greek inscription, "by King Agrippa, Neronias.
Agrippa II, Meshorer 53, AE 29. Struck under Domitian, 81-96 C.E. Dated 94/5 C.E. Laureate hd. of Domitian r. Rv. Tyche std. l. hld.corn grains and cornucopiae. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Web Sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page http://reference.allrefer.com/ http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ http://www.loggia.com/myth/content1.html
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