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

Editor: This is a double prutot of Herod I, the Great. The wear on it really speaks to its age. What symbols do you notice? Curator: The anchor, the double cornucopia... these images were carefully chosen. Think about what an anchor represents—stability, hope, a connection to the sea, and trade. And the cornucopia? Abundance, prosperity. They're not just decoration; they're carefully designed to evoke certain emotional responses and project power. What do these symbols tell you about Herod's ambitions? Editor: That he wanted his reign to be seen as a time of prosperity and stability. It makes you wonder what the reality was. Curator: Precisely! These symbols shaped cultural memory. Examining this coin opens a window into understanding how rulers sought to control their image.