Half-prutot of Herod I, the Great c. 40 - 44

Curator: Let's discuss this intriguing coin. Known as a Half-prutot, it was minted during the reign of Herod the Great. Editor: It looks so worn down, almost organically textured, like a fragment of the earth itself. Curator: Indeed. The coin's materiality speaks volumes— the bronze, the wear, the very process of its striking and circulation. Editor: I am struck by the formal elements. The subtle relief of the symbols, the way the patina emphasizes the coin's circular form, and the faint inscription, rich in symbolic meaning. Curator: Its original creation involved mining, refining, and craftsmanship—the labor of anonymous artisans, all under the auspices of Herod's power. Editor: The composition, though simple, offers a window into the artistic conventions of the period, reflecting both Roman and Jewish influences. Curator: Absolutely. A tangible relic tied to the economy and power structures of its time. Editor: And a powerful testament to the ways in which form and material intersect with history.