Old Coin Collector

Hasmonean (140 – 37 BC)

Biblical Reference: 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees

In 165 BC, Judas Maccabaeus started the revolt against the Seleucid overlords of Judea. After defeating them militarily, he entered Jerusalem in triumph and cleansed the Temple, re-establishing traditional Jewish worship there, and establishing Jewish independence for almost 100 years.  The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabee victories during these events.

The Maccabee line was eventually broken with rivalry between two brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus bringing about civil war, and in defeat in 37 BC by the Roman backed Herod the Great who became “king of the Jews”.

The coins of the period are all small bronze denominations, often showing the double cornocopia (horn of plenty), the lily, star or anchor.

		Hendin 465 Judah Aristobulus I (Yehudah). 104-103 B.C.E. AE prutah. Obverse: Hebrew inscription (Yehudah the High Priest and the Council of the Jews) surrounded by wreath Reverse: Double cornucopiae surrounded by ribbons; pomegranate between horns. AJC I Group Ja
		Hendin 466 Judah Aristobulus I (Yehudah). 104-103 B.C.E. AE prutah. Obverse: Hebrew inscription (Yehudah the High Priest and the Council of the Jews) surrounded by wreath Reverse: Double cornucopiae surrounded by ribbons; pomegranate between horns. AJC I Group Jb-Jc