Hasmonaean Mattathias Antigonus

Description

Hasmonaean Mattathias Antigonus, (40 – 37 BC).
Bronze four prutot, Jerusalem mint
OBV: Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Mattatayah the High Priest, single cornucopia tied with ribbons, overflowing with grapes
REV: Greek inscription in three lines: BACIΛ/EΩC ANT/IΓONOY (of King Antigonus), within wreath tied at the bottom

This large bronze type was meant to impress the population and improve support for Antigonus against his rival Herod the Great. Parthia took Judaea in 40 B.C. and made Mattathias Antigonus their vassal King. After Antigonus bit off his ears to render him ineligible for High Priest, Hyrcanus II was sent to Babylon in chains. Herod fled to Rome but returned with Roman support and took Jerusalem in 37 B.C. Dio Cassius says Antigonus was crucified but most accounts say he was beheaded.