Prutah of Herod Archelaus c. 4 - 6

Curator: This is a Prutah, a bronze coin created by Herod Archelaus. Editor: It’s wonderfully humble. I imagine someone nervously clutching it, hoping it’s enough to buy bread. Curator: It’s significant because Archelaus's coinage, while reflecting Roman influence, also had distinctly Jewish symbols. This was crucial for maintaining his legitimacy. Editor: You can almost feel the weight of history and political strategy embedded in this tiny disc. It makes you wonder about the power held in something so small. Curator: Indeed. The very act of minting currency was a powerful statement of authority. Editor: It’s a pocket-sized drama of power, faith, and daily life all in one. Curator: A potent reminder of the intersection of politics and everyday existence. Editor: Absolutely, and it makes me want to spend the day thinking about the stories it could tell!