MATTATHIAS ANTIGONUS LARGE DENOMINATION AE - 8 PRUTAH
Hendin 6197, Very Fine, 25.7mm, 15.25 grams, Struck 40 - 37 B.C.E.
Obverse: Double cornucopia surrounded by Mattatayah the High Priest
Reverse: Wreath with Of King Antigonus around
Mattathias Antigonus wishing to produce and impressive coinage and keep the crown for the Hasmoneans, struck his series on doubly thick planchets. This coin which is UNUSUALLY LARGE and HEAVY, shows this clearly as the thickness layers were offset, thus one part jutting out. An intriguing Judaean coin from time of transition from the Hasmonean to the Herodian dynasty!
