Coin Depicting a Parasol 42-43, issued by Herod Agrippa I (37–43)

This Judean coin depicting a parasol is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. The coin's circular form is immediately apparent, yet its material, likely bronze or copper, has aged, giving it a weathered, almost organic texture. The imagery is divided into two sides, each conveying a distinct message through its symbolic design. The parasol and inscription hint at civic authority or divine protection, while the three ears of wheat on the opposing side signify abundance, prosperity, and perhaps a connection to the land. Such dualistic imagery is not merely decorative; it is structural. This piece embodies a deeper cultural narrative, and through the semiotic signs embedded within its design, the coin bridges economic, political, and spiritual realms. The tactile quality of the coin is an important element, a reminder of its function as a medium of exchange and a marker of historical and cultural values.