Prutah of Alexander Janneus, Jerusalem c. 103 - 176

Editor: This is a Prutah of Alexander Janneus from Jerusalem. Given that the artist and artwork date are unknown, I'm curious about the material—it seems quite worn. How might we interpret its materiality within its historical and social context? Curator: This coin’s physical degradation is, in fact, central to understanding it. The wear and tear speak volumes about circulation, trade, and the everyday transactions of people under Jannaeus' rule. How does considering it as a mass-produced object, rather than a singular artwork, shift your perspective? Editor: It makes me think about labor and economic systems. Were these coins symbols of power, commodities, or both? Curator: Precisely. And the metal itself, its source and purity, would have been crucial indicators of economic stability and the ruler's control. Understanding the "means of production," so to speak, unlocks a deeper narrative about society. Editor: This is so different than thinking about paintings! It's interesting how materials and process can open up completely new avenues of understanding. Curator: Exactly. We must consider the value attributed to the coin both materially and symbolically.