Lot 3279

Description

Palestine, Judaea, Herod I, (40 - 4 B.C.), copper prutah, AE 15, (1.382 grams), obv. anchor, inscription within circle of dots, around HP[W BA]CI, rev. filleted double cornucopiae with caduceus between, (dots above), dotted border, (S.5534, AJC 17d, [p.237], H.500, Meshorer 53). Off centred on obverse, very fine, scarce.

Ex William B. Porter Collection. The anchor mixed with the double cornucopiae also appears on the coinage of Alexander Jannaeus and Herod Archalaus. The anchor depicted on the Hasmonaean kings was copied and used by Herod to emphasize his role as successor. It could also be linked to manifest his special interest in the coastal cities and maritime trade.