Lot 4485

Sale 45 · Important Australian & World Coins, Medals & Banknotes

Palestine, Judaea, Mattathias Antigonus, (40-37 B.C.), AE 19, copper four prutot, obv. cornucopiae, around Hebrew legend, `Mattityah the high priest'. rev. legend in lines, (Hendin 35, S.6104). Fine/poor, rare.

Mattathias was made the last king of Judaea by the Parthians in 40 B.C., but his position was contested by the Roman nominee for the throne Herod. He was captured and executed by Mark Antony, leaving Herod as king.