Silver swivel ring with original bronze prutah of Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 10/11 C.E.

Silver swivel ring with original bronze prutah of Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 10/11 C.E.

Roman Procurators of Judaea, 6 C.E. - 62 C.E.

As a result of the Hasmonean victory over the Hellenistic Seleucids from Syria a Jewish state was established in Judaea. The Hasmonean or Maccabaean dynasty ruled till 37 BCE, when they were defeated by Herod who was supported by the Romans. The degree of corruption and total disregard for the public good or even human life under both dynasties reached shocking proportions. The Hasmonean leader was also the High priest. It was as if the High Priest was an appointee of the most powerful family among the moneyed classes. Corruption in government is nothing new.

Herod’s son Archelaus was a weak ruler to such a degree that the Romans decided to depose him and appointed Procurators or governors in his place. They ruled in Jerusalem and Caesarea from 6 CE till 62 CE, with a brief interregnum from 37-44 CE when Agrippa I grandson of Herod ruled. What can be learnt from the coins struck by the Romans is that with two exceptions they took into consideration the religious sensitivities of the Jews, employing motifs derived from the seven agricultural species of the Land of Israel or the vegetable world. The principal exceptions are the coins of Pontius Pilate depicting a lituus, augur’s wand, or simpulum, cult vessel. One of the coins of Antonius Felix depicts two crossed shields, a military symbol which can be construed as being provocative. Rather than employ the imperial portrait the name of the emperor appears within a wreath, which in itself is a symbol of the emperor.

Size: 2.9 X 2.4 centimeter approximately.

Total weight (the ring and the coin): 7.0 grams approximately.

The swivel ring enables one to change the side of the coin. one can wear it with the 'head' or 'tail' side displayed. In addition it can be worn as a pendant by stringing a chain through two holes in the shank.

Ideal gift from the Holy Land. The item includes an elegant certificate of authenticity.

DESCRIPTION

A bronze prutah of Marcus Ambibulus, procurator of Judea under Augustus, 10/11 C.E.

Obv: Ear of grain surrounded by Greek inscription KAICAPOC ('of Caesar').

Rev: Palm tree and underneath the date L M ('year 40').

Weight:	7 gr
Measurement:	2.4 x 2.9 cm