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Herod Archelaus — A Half-Prutah from Roman-Era Judaea
This bronze half-prutah represents Herod Archelaus, son of Herod the Great and ethnarch of Judaea, Samaria and Idumaea from 4 BC to AD 6.
Coin Details
- Ruler: Herod Archelaus
- Reign and issue period: 4 BC–AD 6
- Empire/region: Judaea under Roman authority
- Biblical association: Traditionally marketed within the Widow’s Mite collecting tradition
- Denomination: Half-prutah
- Composition: AE (bronze or copper alloy)
- NGC grade: Not stated
- Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin
Herod Archelaus — From Herodian Succession to Roman Province
After Herod the Great died, Rome divided his territories among several heirs. Augustus confirmed Archelaus as ethnarch rather than king, giving him authority over Judaea, Samaria and Idumaea.
Complaints about his rule eventually reached Rome, and Augustus removed him in AD 6 and sent him into exile. His former territory then came under direct Roman administration, an important change in the political setting of the New Testament period.
What the Coin Tells Us
The half-prutah was a small bronze fraction used in the local economy. Herodian bronze coinage generally avoided royal portraits and instead used objects, symbols and Greek inscriptions to communicate authority.
Coins of Archelaus provide material evidence for the brief government between Herod the Great and direct Roman rule. The Widow’s Mite association is a collecting tradition; the New Testament passages do not identify one exact ruler or coin type.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one bronze half-prutah of Herod Archelaus in an NGC Ancients holder. No NGC adjectival or numerical grade is promised. A specific mint, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.
Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.
