Judaean Bronze Porcius Festus Prutah (about 1960 years ago)
This small bronze coin was minted during the brief administration of Porcius Festus, who served as the Roman procurator (governor) of Judaea from 59-62 CE. It represents the complex relationship between Roman imperial authority and the local Jewish population during a turbulent period that would eventually lead to the First Jewish-Roman War.
Coin Description:
Front side: Palm branch with Greek inscription "ΝΕΡΩΝΟC" (of Nero), indicating it was minted during Emperor Nero's reign
Back side: Inscription "ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ" (Caesar's) with date "Year 5" (of Nero's reign) within a wreath
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (smallest bronze coin in Judaean currency)
Reference: Hendin 649
NGC certified (specific grade not mentioned)
Date: 59-62 CE
Condition: Varies by specific example
Historical Significance:
Porcius Festus governed Judaea (modern Israel/Palestine) during a period of increasing tensions between Roman authorities and the Jewish population. According to biblical accounts in Acts 25-26, Festus was the Roman official who heard the case against the apostle Paul and eventually sent him to Rome for trial. These small bronze coins were part of the local currency system that operated alongside Roman imperial coinage, reflecting Rome's policy of allowing limited local autonomy in monetary affairs.
This small bronze coin was minted during the brief administration of Porcius Festus, who served as the Roman procurator (governor) of Judaea from 59-62 CE. It represents the complex relationship between Roman imperial authority and the local Jewish population during a turbulent period that would eventually lead to the First Jewish-Roman War.
Coin Description:
Front side: Palm branch with Greek inscription "ΝΕΡΩΝΟC" (of Nero), indicating it was minted during Emperor Nero's reign
Back side: Inscription "ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ" (Caesar's) with date "Year 5" (of Nero's reign) within a wreath
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (smallest bronze coin in Judaean currency)
Reference: Hendin 649
NGC certified (specific grade not mentioned)
Date: 59-62 CE
Condition: Varies by specific example
Historical Significance:
Porcius Festus governed Judaea (modern Israel/Palestine) during a period of increasing tensions between Roman authorities and the Jewish population. According to biblical accounts in Acts 25-26, Festus was the Roman official who heard the case against the apostle Paul and eventually sent him to Rome for trial. These small bronze coins were part of the local currency system that operated alongside Roman imperial coinage, reflecting Rome's policy of allowing limited local autonomy in monetary affairs.
This small bronze coin was minted during the brief administration of Porcius Festus, who served as the Roman procurator (governor) of Judaea from 59-62 CE. It represents the complex relationship between Roman imperial authority and the local Jewish population during a turbulent period that would eventually lead to the First Jewish-Roman War.
Coin Description:
Front side: Palm branch with Greek inscription "ΝΕΡΩΝΟC" (of Nero), indicating it was minted during Emperor Nero's reign
Back side: Inscription "ΚΑΙΣΑΡΟΣ" (Caesar's) with date "Year 5" (of Nero's reign) within a wreath
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (smallest bronze coin in Judaean currency)
Reference: Hendin 649
NGC certified (specific grade not mentioned)
Date: 59-62 CE
Condition: Varies by specific example
Historical Significance:
Porcius Festus governed Judaea (modern Israel/Palestine) during a period of increasing tensions between Roman authorities and the Jewish population. According to biblical accounts in Acts 25-26, Festus was the Roman official who heard the case against the apostle Paul and eventually sent him to Rome for trial. These small bronze coins were part of the local currency system that operated alongside Roman imperial coinage, reflecting Rome's policy of allowing limited local autonomy in monetary affairs.
