Lot 1134
4-piece Hasmonean Dynasty Alexander Jannaeus Lead Prutah Group. These were issued by Jannaeus ca. 79/78 BCE. Each is attributed to H-1155. Lead prutah (or token). Although crude, these are far nicer than usually seen. Each is described. Estimate Value $250 - UP
The Palm Desert Collection.
According to David Hendin, these represent the first Jewish tokens. Before the death of Jannaeus, the king adopted a more benevolent policy toward the rival Pharisees, and encouraged by his wife Salome Alexandria. One method for a ruler to ingratiate himself was to offer gifts to be redeemed for food or other commodities, this largess was called congiarium. The Roman emperors issued special tokens of bronze or even precious metals, but in the poor province of Judaea where only bronze coins were struck, lead may have served for this purpose.
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