"The coins struck in ancient Judea between the fourth century and the second century represent a remarkable and readily available primary source of information about the history, heritage, and emerging culture of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Coins witnessed the return of Jews from the Babylonian captivity, the wars of the Hasmoneans with the Seleucids, the building and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the birth and ascent of Christianity, and the creation of Rabbinic Judaism. This sixth edition comes almost 45 years after the book was first published under the title Guide to Ancient Jewish Coins. In this edition the author has removed and added coins, updated texts to reflect current research, and attempted to improve the chronological nature of the listings. These changes required a new numbering system. Once again, I have used a numbering system that does not duplicate previous editions. A complete concordance with standard current references and previous editions is included"--
Learn the stories of the most famous coins of the Bible from the widow's mite to the infamous thirty pieces of silver. Discover the historical and cultural details of the lies and times of the ancient peoples of Biblical days. Keep the coin replicas that come in each book as reminders of days past but still important in the history of the western world.
Coins have not changed much throughout antiquity. Yes, they are made from different, more durable materials now, but they are still etched with depictions of their civilization, whether that means the profile of George Washington or the profile of Emperor Nero or the profile of a lion, the symbol of ancient Babylon. Following the course of time from Abraham to the Crusaders, Ancient Coins through the Bible chronicles the history of various locations mentioned throughout the Bible and presents photographs of ancient coins minted in these cities. Though we cannot see those ancient civilizations or the way they lived, these tangible bits of the past speak abundantly about them. As you view these fragments of history, imagine you are traveling with Abraham to Canaan and Paul to Spain. Experience the biblical stories visually through the coins depicted instead of simply reading them, and better understand the lessons taught by God's Word.
More than 550 coins photographed and discussed in this book are NOT KOSHER...in other words they are forgeries, often intended to deceive unwitting collectors. David Hendin has collected and researched these neglected forgeries for more than 35 years, and now makes his diagnostic methodology and huge database of photographs available to scholars, collectors, and dealers. Hendin writes: "When apparently legitimate college professors and scholars were prepared to authenticate, as genuine, ancient Jewish coins that even a beginning collector could identify as suprious, the time had come to document all those known fakes."
"The coins struck in ancient Judea between the fourth century and the second century represent a remarkable and readily available primary source of information about the history, heritage, and emerging culture of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Coins witnessed the return of Jews from the Babylonian captivity, the wars of the Hasmoneans with the Seleucids, the building and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the birth and ascent of Christianity, and the creation of Rabbinic Judaism. This sixth edition comes almost 45 years after the book was first published under the title Guide to Ancient Jewish Coins. In this edition the author has removed and added coins, updated texts to reflect current research, and attempted to improve the chronological nature of the listings. These changes required a new numbering system. Once again, I have used a numbering system that does not duplicate previous editions. A complete concordance with standard current references and previous editions is included"--
The 45th Anniversary Edition of The Handbook of Biblical Numismatics is greatly expanded from the original 1976 book, and features over 150 coins in full color, 20 maps, and over 50 Biblical quotes. Readers will also find enlarged photos of small coins and estimated coin values by Ira Goldberg. While it is still easily read by the novice, it also contains the latest theories of experts in the field on controversial subjects like the bud (pomegranate or poppy?) appearing in between double cornucopia on Hasmonean coins, the vessel (chalice or pot of manna?) and budding plant (pomegranates or Aaron's rod?) on First Revolt Shekels, the star (Bar Kochba = "Son of the Star" or the golden candelabrum donated by Queen Helena) above the Temple on the sela issued during the Second Revolt, etc. The coins mentioned in the New Testament also receive attention ― the Widow's Mite, Tribute Penny and Thirty Pieces of Silver. Chapters are generally preceded by expert maps, and cover the Maccabees/Hasmoneans, Herodians, Prefects/Procurators, First Revolt, Judaea Capta, Second Revolt, etc. Readers will also learn about the Herodian Kings of Armenia, the Jewish Princess Salome, and the connection between Cleopatra and Judaea. Appendices include Ancient Hebrew Coin Inscriptions, The Holy of Holies on Ancient Judaean Coins, Roman Tenth Legion Counterstamps, and False Shekels. Noted collector and philanthropist Hon. Abraham Sofaer contributed this blurb on the Handbook's back cover: "Somehow, Mel has managed to provide a work that is succinct without being superficial; that summarizes all the important material rather than limiting coverage through exclusion; and that simplifies complicated issues without compromising their difficulties. In pulling off this achievement, Mel has provided a practical, take-along, guide. Every important period is covered, and every significant coin type illustrated. Rather than attempting to supersede other types of books, Mel gives us all ― collectors, scholars, and intelligent observers alike ― something to use anywhere to identify coin types and context, read inscriptions, and even have some idea of value. Even a novice will be able quickly to learn and appreciate this aspect of Jewish history, and the history of other cultures with whom the Jewish People have interacted. The Handbook is thus a must have for the tutored and beginner alike."
This is your road map to finding your way around the ancient coin fraternity. With more than 200 photographs, tables and charts and a pronunciation guide, you will acquire the knowledge needed to survive this sometimes bewildering market. Get a jump start on the incredible world of the ancients by acquiring a basic understanding of their politics, history, mythology, and astrology and how it affected the minting and designing of their coins.
