JUDAEA, Roman Governors. Valerius Gratus, 15-26 CE. Prutah (Bronze, 17 mm, 2.22 g, 12 h), in the name of Julia Augusta (Livia). Jerusalem, RY 3 of Tiberius = 16/7 CE. ΙΟΥ/ΛΙΑ within wreath pointing downward. Rev. [L] - Γ Three lilies in bloom. Bromberg -. Hendin 6364. Meshorer, AJC, Suppl. V, 12. RPC I 4961. Samel 2190-2192. Sofaer 18. Attractive earthen highlights. Very fine.



Valerius Gratus served as Roman prefect of Judaea from 15 to 26 CE under Tiberius, succeeding Annius Rufus. His administration was marked by frequent interventions in the Jewish high priesthood: he deposed Ananus and successively appointed Ishmael son of Phabi, Eleazar son of Ananus, Simon son of Camithus, and finally Joseph Caiaphas (Josephus, Ant. 18.33–35). Gratus also issued several series of dated bronze prutot bearing vegetal and cultic motifs. On the present example, the imperial inscription names Julia Augusta (Livia), the mother of Tiberius and widow of Augustus, rather than the reigning emperor himself.