JUDAEA, Herodians. Temp. Agrippa II, circa 50-94/5 CE. AE (Bronze, 19 mm, 6.74 g, 6 h), in the names of emperor Nero, and his legatus Augusti pro praetore, Vespasian. Sepphoris, RY 14 = 67/8 CE. [ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕϹΠΑϹΙΑ]ΝΟ ΕΙΡΗΝΟΠΟ[ΛΙ ΝΕΡΩ]-ΝΙΑϹ / ϹΕΠΦΩΡ around large S C. Rev. L ΔI / NEPΩNO / KΛAYΔIOY / KAICAPO/C within circular frame; all within wreath. Bromberg -. Hendin pl. 5, 6309 (this coin). Meshorer, AJC II, Suppl. III, 9. Rosenberger 2. RPC I 4850. Samel -. Shoshana I 20156. Sofaer 174. Rare and in exceptional condition, hence the Hendin plate coin. Repatinated, otherwise, very fine.



For this particularly noteworthy issue, see the comment on lot 206 above. The loyalty of the inhabitants of Sepphoris to Rome is underscored on this denomination by the prominent S C (senatus consulto, i.e. 'by decree of the Senate'), familiar from Roman imperial bronze coinage. It remains uncertain, however, whether the coins were issued by the civic authorities or on Vespasian’s orders.