JUDAEA. Herodian Dynasty. Herod I the Great (40-4 BC). AE 8-prutot (23mm, 6.40 gm, 12h). NGC Choice VF 4/5 - 3/5, repatinated. Samarian, dated Regnal Year 3 (40/39 or 38/7 BC). Facing helmet with star atop crest; palms to either side / HPΩΔOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ, tripod with ceremonial bowl above; L-Γ (date) to left, TP monogram to right. GBC 6, 6204 (4-prutot). GBC 5, 1169 (8-prutot). In the Sixth Edition of the Guide to Biblical Coins, David Hendin takes a departure from his descriptions in Fifth Edition and notes on p. 202, "Herod's coins were struck in four denominations, often described as 8, 4, 2, and 1 prutot. However, our metrological studies indicate that Herod's dated coins adhered to a different weight standard. Herod's largest coin (no. 6204, 6.93 gm) is only half the weight of the Antigonus coin (no. 6197, 14 gm) struck at around the same time. Thus, it is quite possible that the denominations are intended as 4, 3, 2, and 1 prutot. This system is also consistent with Herod's undated coins, which are, according to weight, 2, 1, and 1/2 prutot, which combine to establish a Herodian series of five denominations." HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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