Biblical Coin Pendant - 15-26 A.D.

The bronze prutah coins minted under Valerius Gratus, the Roman governor of Judea from 15 to 26 CE, are significant both historically and numismatically. These small, low-denomination coins were produced under the authority of the Roman administration in Judea and were primarily intended for local circulation. They continued the tradition of earlier Roman provincial coinage, which sought to balance Roman imperial symbolism with elements familiar to the Jewish population.

Valerius Gratus' prutot featured various designs, often incorporating motifs that were acceptable to the Jewish people, who adhered to strict religious prohibitions against graven images. Many of these coins bore symbols such as palm branches, cornucopias, and wreaths—common in Hellenistic and Roman coinage but devoid of human or animal imagery, which could have been offensive to Jewish sensibilities. Greek inscriptions were typically present, as Greek was the administrative language of the eastern Roman provinces at the time. These inscriptions often included references to the reigning emperor, Tiberius, acknowledging Roman authority over the region.

The coins minted under Gratus were widely used in everyday transactions and continued to circulate even after his tenure ended, remaining in use during the governorship of his successor, Pontius Pilate. They are commonly found in archaeological excavations throughout Judea, often in contexts associated with markets, settlements, and the Jerusalem Temple economy. These prutot, though modest in value, played an essential role in the daily lives of the people of Judea and offer a tangible connection to the complex political and economic landscape of Roman rule in the region.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact coin pendant which is shown in the photos.

It’s possible to own a prutah minted in ancient Judea because these small bronze coins were struck in large quantities over several centuries by various Jewish rulers and Roman procurators, particularly during the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties and the early Roman occupation. Prutot were used in everyday transactions, making them one of the most common coin types in the region, and their widespread circulation meant they were often lost or buried, only to be rediscovered later in archaeological digs or hoards. Many have survived due to the dry climate of the region, which helped preserve the metal, even when the surfaces are heavily worn or corroded. Today, prutot are commonly found in Israel and surrounding areas, and they regularly enter the antiquities and numismatic markets through licensed dealers, especially as interest in biblical-era artifacts remains strong among collectors, historians, and religious enthusiasts.