Coins

Herod minted his own bronze coins, many of which bear symbols similar to those used by the Hasmoneans (anchors, cornucopiae, and wreaths). He might have been concerned not to offend the Jewish population by putting figured images on his coins. However, one series of coins minted by Herod bears symbols that appear to be pagan in nature, such as an altar or table on top of which is a cap with a star — perhaps the cap of the Dioscuri, the sons of Zeus. This series was minted for a short time, possibly at the non-Jewish site of Samaria-Sebaste, and had limited circulation. Herod Agrippa I and Herod Agrippa II minted coins bearing figured images (including busts of the emperor, their own heads, and perhaps other family members) for circulation in non-Jewish territories.

7.25 Coin of Herod showing a cap with a star. Courtesy of Zev Radovan/BibleLandPictures. com.

During the First Revolt, the Jews minted their own coins as a proclamation of independence. These coins — minted in silver and bronze — carry symbols and slogans alluding to Jerusalem and the temple. The symbols include a chalice (a vessel used in the temple) and a branch with three pomegranates (perhaps a staff used by the priests). The coins are inscribed in the paleo-Hebrew script with Hebrew-language slogans alluding to Jerusalem and the temple (and the revival of an independent Jewish kingdom), such as “Jerusalem the holy" and “for the freedom of Zion." The designation of these coins as sheqels — an ancient system of weights — also alludes to the revival of the biblical kingdom. The coins carry dates, from Year One to Year Five (of the revolt), with the establishment of a new calendar being another proclamation of independence from Roman rule.

To commemorate their victory over the Jews, the Flavian emperors minted a special series of coins. The head of the emperor is depicted on the obverse, and

7.26 Coin of the First Jewish Revolt. Courtesy of Zev Radovan/BibleLandPictures. com.

7.27 Judea Capta coin. Courtesy of Zev Radovan/BibleLandPictures. com.

The reverse shows a young woman (symbolizing the Jewish people) mourning under a date palm (symbolizing the province of Judea), and a man with hands bound behind his back standing on the other side of the tree. These images are accompanied by the inscription Judea Capta, meaning “Judea has been conquered."