JUDAEA. Mattathias Antigonus, 40-37 B.C.E. AE Prutah (1.45 gms), Jerusalem Mint. NGC EF★, Strike: 3/5 Surface: 3/5.Meshorer-41; Hendin-6203. Obverse: Showbread table; Reverse: Menorah. Struck upon a fairly irregular flan--<em>a typical aspect of the type</em>--this EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and extremely important example represents the pinnacle within Jewish numismatics, as it stands as the first coin to feature definitive Jewish iconography in the form of the showbread table and the menorah--both synonymous with the Temple of Jerusalem. Though the design upon each side is incomplete, <em>as is always the case, given that the flans used were simply too small to contain all design elements</em>, the parts that are present upon this monumental example are rather bold and clear, with parts of the surrounding legends (in Hebrew, around the showbread table, and in Greek, around the menorah) very evident as well. The surfaces are mostly deep green in hue, with some lighter dusty highlights acting as a delightful accent. A tremendously pivotal and consequential offering for an ever-desirable type that has been off the market for nearly three-and-a-half decades.To view all items from the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=From+the+Rabbi+Victor+H.+Weissberg+and+Tamar+Weissberg+Collection&limit=96&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a>From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection.
Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts XXVI (8/1991) Lot # 135 @ $12,500 hammer.
