Lot 2000

Description

Palestine, Roman Procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, under Tiberius, (A.D. 26-36), copper prutah, (2.060 grams), obv. lituus surrounded by partial Greek inscription, TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC, rev. date within wreath, LIH = year 18 (= A.D.31), (S.5623, H.650 [115], AJC II Supplement V, No.24, Meshorer 231). Some earthy porosity, otherwise fine with a clear date reading.

Of immense Biblical interest, this date 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 found it necessary to use this coinage.