Description
Denomination: Copper eight prutot
Period: Judea under the rule of Imperial Rome
Date: 40-4 BCE
Origin: Sebaste. Judea mint
Condition: Almost very fine. scarce. thick desert patina
Obverse: Ornate helmet with star above. flanked by palm leaves
Reverse: Tripod with ceremonial bowl and monograms either side. legend around in Greek reads ‘Of King Herod.’ date to left (year 3=40BCE)
Size and Weight: 23mm. 6.26g
References: RPC 4901. Hendin 1169
Features and Provenance: This coinage may well have been in circulation at the time of the betrothal of Mary and Joseph and probably the birth of Jesus around 6 – 4 BC. Herod had been appointed by Emperor Augustus as king of Judea in 40 BC and it was he who ordered the slaughter of all first born boys under two years of age. after the birth of Jesus. He was known to have been a brutal and miserly man. it was one such tax collection and census that required Joseph to return to his home town of Bethlehem.
The villain of the Christmas story or perhaps the hero as without his part it would still be Yuletide.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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