Lot 3478

Description

Palestine, Roman Procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, under Tiberius, (A.D. 26-36), copper prutah, (3.092 grams), obv. three bound ears of barley, legend around, IOY**LIA* KA[I]CAPOC, rev. Libation ladle (simpulum) legend and date around, TIBEPI[OY KAIC]APOC LIS, date LIS (year 16 = A.D.29), (S.5622, H. 648 [113], AJC II Supplement V, No.21, Meshorer 229). Well centred, the finest example this company has offered, good very fine, and rare in this condition.

Of great Biblical interest. The simpulum is a small ladle with a handle which was used during sacrifices to make libations and to enable the celebrants to taste the wine which was later poured over the head of the animal offering. Specifically, it was the sign of the priesthood.