Hasmonaean Coin of Jerusalem under John Hyrcanus II (?) 63 - 40 BCE ?

Curator: Here we have a Hasmonaean Coin of Jerusalem under John Hyrcanus II, thought to have been made during his reign. Editor: It’s quite small, isn't it? And the level of detail—it’s incredible to think of the labor that went into such an object. Curator: The artistry lies in the precision of the engraving, wouldn't you agree? The composition, even on this small scale, reveals a deliberate arrangement. Editor: Yes, but also consider the base metals; the availability of resources, the minting process itself, and the hands it passed through. This reveals an entire social and economic network. Curator: Perhaps, but the symbolic weight of the imagery far outweighs its monetary value. Editor: Perhaps for us now, but what was its real function? Curator: A fascinating window into power, belief, and design of the period. Editor: Indeed, a tangible link to an ancient world.