Judaea, Herodian Kingdom. Agrippa II. Galilaea, Sepphoris. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Æ (17.15 g), 1st century AD CY 14 (AD 67/8). Vespasian, procurator. Crossed cornucopias over caduceus. Rev. LΔI/NEPΩNOC/KΛAYΔIOY/KAICAPO/C in five lines within laurel wreath. Hendin 1276; TJC 127; RPC 4849. In the name of Agrippa II as king of the Jews, but struck under Vespasian while governor. A fantastic example. Struck on a nice full flan. Dark reddish-brown patina. The finest example we have ever handled. Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $750 - UP
From the Palm Desert Collection. Purchased from D. Hendin in the 1980s.
This interesting type was struck at the beginning of the Jewish War, and mentions Vespasian a governor (procurator) under Nero. The legend on the obverse, which is normally at most only partially legible, is unusually clear and mostly complete on this coin. In addition to naming Vespasian as governor, it also mentions Sepphoris as Irenopolis ('City of Peace'). Both Josephus and certain Rabbinic texts note that the Jews of Sepphoris did not support their fellow Jews during the Jewish Revolt, and this coin supports these ancient writings.