Herod Agrippa I Bronze Prutah Coin | 37–41 CE Judean Artifact

This bronze prutah coin was issued during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, King of Judea, who ruled from 37 to 41 CE.

The obverse features a portrait of Agrippa wearing a diadem, with an inscription identifying him in Greek. The reverse often depicts a symbol of prosperity, such as a palm branch, cornucopia, or anchor, with a reference to the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

 This coin reflects the delicate balance between local Jewish rule and Roman authority in the early 1st century CE. A rare and historically significant piece, perfect for collectors and those interested in ancient Judaean history.

Biblical Significance
The Herod Agrippa I bronze prutah coin holds considerable biblical significance as it was issued during the reign of a ruler mentioned in the New Testament. Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, is noted for his interactions with early Christians.

 In Acts 12, he plays a key role in the imprisonment and execution of the Apostle James and the subsequent imprisonment of Peter.

 His reign represents a crucial time in Judea’s history, as it marks the tension between Roman authority and the local Jewish rulers, a backdrop to the events surrounding the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church.

This coin offers a tangible connection to the political and religious climate of the 1st century CE, making it a significant artifact for biblical history enthusiasts.

Size:
16–18mm

Weight:
2–3g

Mint:

Likely Jerusalem or Caesarea Maritima

This coin was minted during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, King of Judea, who ruled from 37 to 41 CE.

The early 1st century CE was a time of shifting political dynamics in Judea, with the Jewish kingdom caught between local rulers and Roman authority. Herod Agrippa I’s reign is noted in the Bible for its connections to the early Christian Church, particularly in the New Testament’s account of his persecution of early Christians, including the execution of the Apostle James and the imprisonment of Peter (Acts 12).

This coin represents an era when the relationship between Jewish governance and the Roman Empire shaped the region’s social and political landscape.

Made of bronze, this coin has survived centuries, offering a physical connection to a pivotal moment in history.

Bronze was the common material used for smaller, everyday coins during the Roman Empire and its client kingdoms, such as Judea.

The prutah coin was a standard form of currency in the region, used for everyday transactions and reflecting both local and imperial power. Its durability means this coin has endured the test of time, carrying the weight of history within its small frame.