Mattathius Antigonus
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 481
Mattathias Antigonus AE 25 mm. Obverse: Double cornucopiae with Hebrew (Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews), around and between horns Reverse: Ivy wreath tied at top with ribbons hanging down; inscription (of King Antigonus) Meshorer 36f. |
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| Hendin 482
Mattathias Antigonus AE 20 mm. Obverse: Single cornucopiae tied with ribbons; vine leaf and grapes hang; Hebrew (Mattatayah the High Priest) Reverse: Greek in three lines within wreath and border of dots. |
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| Hendin 483
Mattathias Antigonus Æ prutah Obverse: Retrograde Hebrew inscription, Mattathias Reverse: Double cornucopia with ribbons and ear of barley between horns. |
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| Hendin 484
Mattathias Antigonus AE15 Obverse: Hebrew (Mattatayah the High Priest) surrounded by wreath Reverse: Double cornucopia with ribbons pomegranate between horns. |
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| Hendin 485
Mattathias Antigonus AE15 Obverse: BASILEWS ANTIGONOY, menorah Reverse: Hebrew inscription, Showbread table. |