Pontius Pilate | Bronze Prutah

The bronze prutah minted by Pontius Pilate between 26 and 36 A.D. is one of the most tangible surviving links to the world in which Jesus lived and was executed. Struck in Jerusalem during Pilate’s governorship, these small bronze coins circulated widely throughout Judea and Galilee—the very regions where Jesus preached. They would have passed through the hands of farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, and Roman officials alike. In that sense, the prutah serves as a direct archaeological connection to the historical context of the Gospels.

What makes these coins even more striking is their symbolism. Pilate, known from the New Testament as the Roman prefect who condemned Jesus to crucifixion, placed on his coins pagan Roman religious images such as the lituus (the curved staff of an augur). Both were offensive to Jewish sensibilities, and their use reflected Pilate’s disdain for local customs and his insistence on Roman supremacy. On the reverse appears a wreath surrounding the date of Tiberius’s reign, inscribed in Greek. Thus, the prutah embodies the very political and spiritual tensions that defined Judea in Jesus’s time—foreign domination, religious offense, and the fragile coexistence between Roman power and Jewish faith.

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.

Your coin will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

These coins can be found throughout the Middle East from both recovered hoards and the possession of private collectors who have collected and preserved these coins throughout history. Unlike many artifacts that deteriorate over time, coins are typically made of metals such as gold, silver, and bronze, which are highly resistant to decay. This durability has allowed ancient coins to survive for centuries, even when buried in the ground or exposed to varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the widespread use of coins during the medieval period, combined with the sheer number minted, has ensured that many examples remain in circulation or are discovered regularly.