JUDAEA, Procurators. Pontius Pilate. 26-36 CE. Æ Prutah (16mm, 2.26 g, 10h). Dated RY 17 (30 CE). TIBЄPIOY KAICAP[OC], lituus / LIZ (date) within wreath. Meshorer 333; Hendin 649. Good VF, green patina.
The relationship between the Romans and the Jews during the administration of Pontius Pilate became increasingly more volatile than during previous administrations, as Pilate took many steps to incite and provoke the Jews. Ensigns which bore the image of Tiberius were seen as a denigration of their religion. Uprisings ultimately ending in executions and Messianic hope became increasingly more common. Of numismatic significance, religious sentiments were further antagonized through some of Pilate’s early coinage which featured the simpulum and lituus, elements of the pagan Roman religion (see Avi-Yonah, The World History of the Jewish People, vol. VII, pp. 128-30).
