Coin of Mattathias Antigonos 40-37 BCE

Curator: Here we have a coin from Mattathias Antigonos, dating back to around 40 BCE. He was the last Hasmonean king of Judea. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn't it? The patina suggests untold stories, almost a whisper of ancient transactions and power dynamics. Curator: Precisely. The imagery, while worn, still conveys symbolic weight. The double cornucopia, for instance, speaks to prosperity and the land's bounty. We can't ignore the context: Antigonos's brief reign was marked by political turmoil, caught between Roman influence and internal strife. Editor: And the anchor? Is that a symbol of hope, stability perhaps? Or maybe a claim to maritime power, given the access to the Mediterranean? Curator: It's compelling to read the anchor in multiple ways. In a society wrestling with identity and autonomy, such imagery carries immense weight. Editor: The coin is a testament to the cultural and political moment it existed in. It invites us to consider the lived experiences behind those historical power struggles. Curator: Indeed, and the symbols that outlasted the kingdom. Editor: A potent reminder of resilience.