Ancient Judea – Herod Archelaus Prutah, 4 BC–6 AD – Biblical Era Coin
JUDEA, HEROD ARCHELAUS (4 BC–6 AD). Ancient Bronze Prutah. Weight: 1.836 g.
A genuine ancient coin from Judea during the reign of Herod Archelaus, who ruled as ethnarch from 4 BC to AD 6. These small bronze prutot were struck at Jerusalem and circulated in Judea during the early Roman period. Museum examples of Archelaus' prutah are documented by the British Museum, with the denomination, ruler, dates and Jerusalem mint confirmed.
The coins of Archelaus are especially interesting to collectors of Biblical and Holy Land coinage. His coinage commonly features Jewish and Hellenistic symbols, including an anchor, grapes, cornucopiae, helmet, and ship's prow, accompanied by Greek inscriptions naming Herod and his title of Ethnarch.
Historical significance: Archelaus was the son of Herod the Great and ruled Judea during the time of the early Roman Empire. His reign ended in AD 6 when he was removed from power and Judea was placed under direct Roman administration.
The term “Widow’s Mite” is sometimes used by modern sellers for very small ancient Judean coins. However, it is a popular collecting nickname rather than the formal ancient denomination, so this coin is more accurately described as a Prutah of Herod Archelaus.
Coin details:
- Ruler: Herod Archelaus
- Region: Judea
- Date: 4 BC–6 AD
- Denomination: Prutah
- Metal: Bronze / copper alloy
- Weight: 1.836 grams
- Mint: Jerusalem
- Period: Early Roman / Herodian
- Type: Ancient Biblical-era coin
A fascinating piece of history from over 2,000 years ago, representing everyday money used in Judea during the Herodian and early Roman period.
Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact design, condition, surfaces, and remaining details.
