Hasmonaean Mattathias Antigonus

Description

Hasmonaean Mattathias Antigonus, (40 – 37 BC).
Bronze eight prutot, Jerusalem mint
Obv: Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Mattatayah the High Priest and Council of the Jews, around and between the horns of a double cornucopia;
Reverse: BACIΛEΩC ANTIΓONOY (of King Antigonus), ivy wreath tied at the top with ribbons hanging down.

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.

Ref: Meshorer Y: Treasury of Jewish Coins, No.36.