General Coins from
the Biblical Period

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Antiochus IV, Epiphanes, 175 to 164 B.C.E.

Yehudah Maccabee defeated Antiochus IV Epiphanes and cleansed the defiled temple. Chanukah commemorates this event. After this the Maccabean Kingdom was set up.

 

Judean King, Alexander Jannaeus, 103-76 B.C.E.

Judean Kings, Alexander Jannaeus, 103-76 B.C.E. Prutah. Anchor. Reverse. Wheel or Star with eight rays; some having Hebrew legend ,”Yehonatan the King.”

This is the type normally ascribed as the widow’s mite of the New Testament because of its small size and prolific issue.

 

 

Judea, 1st Revolt against Rome, 66-70 C.E.
Shekel. Year 2=67 C.E. Charlice with pearl rim resting on base; Hebrew inscription,"Shekel of Israel".
Reverse. Three pomegranates; Hebrew inscription,"Jerusalem the Holy."

In Biblical times a Shekel was a weight of silver. When the ancient Judeans fought for religious freedom against the Romans, the 'Shekel' was a silver coin.

Vespasian, 69-79 C.E.
Denarius. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. Laureate bust facing to the right.
Reverse. IVDAEA in ex. Personification of Judea seated in mourning posture beneath trophy of arms and armor.

Julius Caesar, 48-47 B.C.E
Denarius. Diademed head. of Venus facing to the right.
Reverse. CAESAR. Aeneas l. carrying father Anchises on shoulders from Troy and carrying Palladium in l. hand.