Prutah of John Hyrcanus II 63 - 40BCE

Curator: This is a Prutah of John Hyrcanus II, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It is a small, circular coin, weighing just over one and a half grams. Editor: It's incredible, isn't it? The patina alone speaks volumes, almost obscuring the designs pressed into the metal. The verdigris hints at a life buried, forgotten, and then rediscovered. Curator: Indeed, the imagery itself is quite striking. One side depicts a lily, a common symbol of purity and kingship, while the other features a double cornucopia, representing prosperity and abundance. Editor: Structurally, the coin’s roundness is paramount; it speaks to wholeness and completion. The designs, though simple, create a balance within that circular frame. It's rudimentary, yet effective. Curator: And consider what it represented to the people who used it. A tangible link to their ruler, their faith, and their hopes for a fruitful future. It’s a potent symbol of cultural identity. Editor: It's a poignant reminder that even the smallest objects can hold immense historical and artistic weight. Curator: Absolutely. A testament to the power of symbols across millennia.