JUDAEA, Herodians. Herod IV Philip, 4 BCE-34 CE. AE (Bronze, 11 mm, 1.51 g, 12 h), Caesarea Paneas (as Caesarea Philippi), RY 37 = 33/4. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ Bare head of Herod IV Philip to right. Rev. LΛZ within wreath. Meshorer 13. RPC I 4953. Sofaer 146. Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for this very important issue. Boldly struck in high relief and undoubtedly among the finest known examples. The reverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The Mosaic Law forbade the use of 'graven images', which is why earlier Jewish rulers refrained from depicting their images on coins. Herod IV Philip broke with this tradition by featuring his own image on his coinage in the Hellenistic style, making it the first Jewish portrait. Our coin was minted in Caesarea Paneas (under the name Caesarea Philippi), where Herod IV resided with his wife, the famous Salome, who is said to have ordered the execution of John the Baptist. The coin was minted in his 37th and final year of reign, corresponding to 33/4 CE, the most likely year of Jesus' crucifixion. Thus, this coin connects Jewish and early Christian history in a way few others do, symbolizing a link between two pivotal religious traditions.