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Prutah - Tiberius Pontius Pilate as Prefect
| Issuer | Pontius Pilate (Prefect of Judea) |
|---|---|
| Year | 29-30 |
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| Currency | Prutah (140 BC-95 AD) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
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| Reverse description | Central device featuring three bound grain ears (lituus according to some references, but most authorities identify the reverse type as three bound ears of barley), arranged vertically and tied together at the stem, symbolizing agricultural fertility and imperial prosperity. The design is set within a plain field on an irregularly shaped flan. The encircling Greek legend ΤΙΒΕΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙCΑΡΟC (of Tiberius Caesar) runs around the periphery. The overall style is consistent with provincial Judaean bronze coinage of the early first century AD, struck under Roman prefectural authority. |
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| Additional information |
Struck in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate during his decade-long prefecture (26–36 AD), these small bronzes are among the few physical objects directly attributable to the Roman official named in the gospel passion narratives. Pilate's issues are notable for deliberately incorporating Roman cultic symbols onto coins circulating in a province deeply hostile to graven images — a provocative choice that, according to Josephus, contributed to civil unrest during his administration.
The specific year-date corresponds to the 16th year of Tiberius's reign, placing manufacture squarely within the period of Jesus's crucifixion by most historical chronologies.