Obverse: Greek Insription, "King Antigonus," Surrounded by Wreath Reverse: Cornucopia Encircled by Hebrew Inscription: "Mattatayah High Priest" Mattatayah Antigonus, the ambitious son of Aristobulus II, led several futile Jewish rebellions against the Romans during his father's imprisonment, only increasing Rome's suspicions of independence-minded Jews. In 43 B.C., the murder of Antipater, the chief supporter of his Roman-aligned uncle, Hyrcanus II, led Antigonus launch a last attempt to seize control of Judea. He was defeated in battle by Antipater's younger son, Herod. But Antigonus allied himself with the Parthians, who were challenging Rome for control of Syria and Palestine. . "[Antigonus] promised [to Parthia] one thousand talents and five hundred women to dispose of Hyrcanus and give the throne to [him] ." Proclaiming Antigonus king, a Parthian force took Jerusalem in 40 B.C., deposed Hyrcanus from power and held Herod's older brother, Phasael, hostage. Herod, however, escaped and rallied Roman support. After the Parthians were defeated by Marc Antony, Antigonus was eventually captured by Herod in 37 B.C., and delivered to the Romans at Antioch, where he was executed, thus marking the transition from the end of the Maccabean Dynasty and the beginning of the Herodian. Origin: Judean Hills, Israel Circa: 40 BC to 37 BC Collection: Numismatics Style: Maccabean Medium: Bronze

Antique Coins
Ancient coins