A. PLAUTIUS AR DENARIUS, "BACCHIVS IVDAEVS" - FIRST JUDEA CAPTA COIN, 55 B.C.E.
Crawford 431/1, Sydenham 932, RSC Plautia 13, Hendin 6470, (GBC5 1443), 18.4mm, 3.65 grams.
Obverse: Turreted head of Cybele right, surrounded by inscription, A. PLAVTIVS AED. CVR S.C behind
Reverse: Bacchius presumed to be Aristobulus kneels right, camel at side, extending olive branch, IVDAEVS on right, BACCHIVS in exergue
The Bacchius named on this coin is unknown to history, but the most likely explanation offered for the meaning of the coin is that it is the first Roman Judaea submission type . The coin was struck at the time of the defeat of Aristobulus AND includes the caption IVDAEVS refering to the submission of Aristobulus the High Priest to Pompey. There is also a similar denarius (although much more common) of the ally of Aristobulus depicting him in submission as well and clearly naming him ARETAS, thus making this attribution for Aristobulus pretty airtight. See Hendin's GBC pp. 366 - 368.
Well defined coin. Obverse off center. The Reverse is well represented with the most important "BACCHIVS IVDAEVS" COMPLETE and CLEAR. Hints of golden toning around the periphery.
