Judaea. John Hyrcanus I (135-104 eaa.). Prutah Hasmonean Dynasty. Yehohanan, High Priest. Jerusalem. (Ei pohjahintaa)

Judaea. Bronze Prutah of John Hyrkanos I (Yehohanan), minted in Jerusalem between 135-104 BC.
Hasmonean Dynasty. 13mm 2.17g. Reference: HGC 10, 78

Obverse
Splayed double cornucopia adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between horns, border of dots

Reverse
Paleo-Hebrew inscription: Yehohanan the High Priest and Head of the Council of the Jews surrounded by a wreath


The inscription reads in Paleo-Hebrew, from right to left, as follows: YHW(HH)NN (Yehohanan) / H (the) KHN (Priest) H (the) G/DL (high) W (and) (HH)BR (council) H (the) / YHWDYM (Jews).

John Hyrcanus I (Yehohanan, יְהוֹחָנָן), a key Hasmonean ruler of Judea from 134 to 104 BCE, oversaw a transformative period marked by military expansion and religious consolidation. As high priest and king, he expanded Judea’s borders significantly, conquering Samaria, Idumea, and parts of Transjordan. Hyrcanus asserted Jewish control over these areas, even enforcing conversions, particularly in Idumea, thus broadening both the cultural and territorial influence of the Hasmonean state.

Hyrcanus is notable in numismatics for introducing coins inscribed in Paleo-Hebrew, a break from prior Hellenistic styles, signaling both political autonomy and a renewed Jewish identity. His coins typically featured double cornucopiae and pomegranates, symbols of prosperity and religious heritage, while avoiding human images due to Jewish aniconic traditions. Hyrcanus’ coinage marks an era of economic stability and cultural pride, reflecting his dual role as both a ruler and high priest in an increasingly independent Judean state.