JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod IV Philip, 4 BCE-34 CE. AE (Bronze, 13 mm, 1.52 g, 11 h), RY 34 = 30/1. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Bare head of Philip to right. Rev. LΛΔ within wreath. Hendin 6263. Meshorer 108. RPC I 4950. Rare and of great historical interest. Very well struck in high relief and among the finest known example, a wonderful example of the first numismatic Jewish portrait. Repatinated, otherwise, good very fine.


Mosaic Law forbade the use of 'graven images'. For this reason, previous Jewish rulers had refrained from placing their images on coins. Herod IV Philip broke with this tradition and depicted himself on his coinage in the Hellenistic style, effectively rendering this the first Jewish portrait. It was struck in 30/1 CE, which was also very likely the time Jesus preached in Judaea.