The coinage of Herod Antipas refers to the limited series of bronze coins minted during his reign as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from circa 4 BCE to 39 CE. These coins were produced in his capital city, Tiberias, which he founded around 19 CE and named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius. The inscriptions and iconography on these coins provide valuable insights into the political and cultural milieu of the time.
Herod Antipas's coinage is notable for its rarity and the limited number of issues during his 43-year rule. Unlike his father, Herod the Great, who issued a more extensive range of coins, Antipas minted only five series throughout his reign. The first series did not appear until his 24th regnal year, and all were produced in small quantities. The coins primarily feature Greek inscriptions and symbols that reflect both Jewish and Roman influences, underscoring Antipas's role as a client ruler under Roman authority.
The minting of these coins in Tiberias, a city founded by Antipas and named in honor of Emperor Tiberius, signifies his loyalty to Rome and his efforts to integrate Roman imperial imagery into the local currency. The coins served not only as a medium of exchange but also as tools of propaganda, reinforcing Antipas's authority and connection to the Roman Empire.
circa
Sepphoris Mint (circa 1 BCE)
A rare coin minted in Sepphoris, another city under Antipas's control, features a grain of wheat on the obverse and a palm branch on the reverse. The inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC" identifies the ruler. This coin provides evidence of Antipas's broader economic influence and his engagement with multiple urban centers within his tetrarchy.
Year 24 (circa 1 CE)
This coin marks the beginning of Antipas's coinage. The obverse features a wreath surrounding the inscription "TIBE PIAC," indicating the minting location in Tiberias. The reverse depicts a palm branch, a symbol of victory and peace, with the inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC," translating to "Herod the Tetrarch". This coin reflects Antipas's establishment of Tiberias and his assertion of authority in the region.
Year 33 (circa 29 CE)
This coin marks the beginning of Antipas's coinage. The obverse features a wreath surrounding the inscription "TIBE PIAC," indicating the minting location in Tiberias. The reverse depicts a palm branch, a symbol of victory and peace, with the inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC," translating to "Herod the Tetrarch". This coin reflects Antipas's establishment of Tiberias and his assertion of authority in the region.
Year 33 (circa 29 CE)
In this issue, the obverse inscription "TIBE PIAC" is again enclosed within a wreath. The reverse showcases a palm branch, accompanied by the regnal year "ΛΓ" (Year 33), and the inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC". The repetition of the palm branch motif emphasizes themes of peace and stability under Antipas's rule.
Year 37 (circa 33 CE)
This coin continues the established design, with "TIBE PIAC" within a wreath on the obverse and a palm branch on the reverse. The regnal year is indicated by "ΛΖ" (Year 37), and the inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC" appears as before. The consistency in design underscores the continuity of Antipas's reign and his adherence to established numismatic traditions.
Year 43 (circa 39 CE)
The final known series of coins from Antipas features a palm branch on the reverse, with the inscription "HPWΔHC TETPAPXHC" and the regnal year "ΛΙ" (Year 43). The obverse inscription "TIBE PIAC" remains within a wreath. This series likely marks the end of Antipas's rule, coinciding with his deposition by Emperor Caligula in 39 CE.
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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