The first Jewish portrait
Lot 1091
JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod IV Philip, 4 BCE-34 CE. AE (Bronze, 10 mm, 1.70 g), Caesarea Panias, Year 34 = 30/1 CE. [ΦΙΛΙΠ]ΠΟΥ Head of Herod Philip to right. Rev. L ΛΔ within wreath. Hendin 6263. Meshorer 108. RPC I 4950. Rare and of great historical interest. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, fine.

From the James Knox Collection of Biblical related coins, Leu Web Auction 28, 9 December 2023, 154 and previously privately acquired from J. P. Fontanille on 6 March 2013.


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.
Starting price:
100 CHF
Hammer price:
700 CHF
Bid increment:
Closed
Minimum bid:
Closed
Number of bids:
Time left:
Closing time: 13-Jul-24, 21:05:00 CEST
All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee.

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