Lot 3480

Description

Palestine, Roman Procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, under Tiberius, (A.D. 26-36), copper prutah, (1.682 grams), obv. lituus surrounded by partial Greek inscription, TI[BEPIOY KAIC]APOC, rev. uncertain date within wreath, (S.5623, cf.H.649 [114], AJC II Supplement V, No.23, cf.Meshorer 230). Porosity, otherwise fine.

Of great Biblical interest, this coin being associated with Christ's crucificion. The lituus is an augural staff, a Roman cult object, no parallels in shape or function exist in Jewish art. The design of this and the simpulum were undoubtedly irritaing to the Jews who were required to use this coinage.