Lot 4634

Description

Palestine, Roman Procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, under Tiberius, (A.D. 26-36), copper prutah, (1.600 grams), obv. lituus surrounded by Greek inscription, [TI]BEPIOY [KAICAPOC], rev. date within wreath, LIZ (Z reversed) = A.D.30, (S.5623, H.649var. [114], AJC II Supplement V, No.23b, Meshorer 230A). Off centre on the obverse, otherwise fine/very fine with a clear partial legend and very clear date reading, a rare variety.

Ex Harry Abbramowitz family collection, Superior Galleries (USA) auctions December 8, 1993 (lot 456 part). Of immense Biblical interest, this date being associated with Christ's crucificion, alternatively the reversed Z has also been suggested to be an S making it LIS = year 16 (A.D. 29).