HEROD ANTIPAS AE HALF DENOMINATION
Hendin 6235, Kogon and Fontanille O1 / R1, 19.2mm, 5.58 grams, contrast added, Struck Circa. 29/30 C.E., Tiberias Mint
Obverse: TIBE PIAC within wreath
Reverse: Upright palm branch, HPWΔΟΥ TETPAPXOY around, date L ΛΓ (year 33 - 29/30 C.E.) across fields
A nicely CENTERED pleasant example with clear obverse name and date!
The coins of Herod Antipas circulated in his domain of the Galilee and Peraea. Due to poor metal alloy and increased soil humidity in the areas of his rule (corresponding today to uppermost Israel, Southern Lebanon and Northwestern Jordan) his coins are found in the most corroded condition of any Judaean coins. Virtually all are extensively cleaned, and it is very rare to find an existing example with a fully original patina. What is unfortunate though, is due to their poor state they probably also have the highest percentage of tooled coins. We would not be surprised if they are in the clear majority. It is ironically sad when we see coins of Herod Antipas described as of "Unlisted dies". In actuality they are often 'tooled' coins, which is why the dies are unlisted.
This example is somewhat worn in use, but is a very pleasant untooled example, and of course an exact match to the official dies.
