Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus c. 103 - 176

Editor: Here we have a Prutah, a coin by Alexander Jannaeus. Its worn surface speaks volumes. What do you see in this piece beyond its physical form? Curator: This coin is more than just currency; it’s a statement of power and cultural identity. Jannaeus, a Hasmonean ruler, used coinage to assert his authority in a politically charged environment. The imagery chosen, what does it suggest about his agenda? Editor: It seems symbolic, but I'm not sure what the symbols mean. Curator: Precisely. Understanding the symbols allows us to unpack the narratives Jannaeus was trying to construct. Coinage like this served as propaganda, influencing public perception of his reign and legitimacy. What does that make you think about power, gender, and race? Editor: It's interesting to see how objects, even small ones like this, can be such powerful conveyors of meaning. Curator: Absolutely. And by studying them, we gain insight into the complexities of the past and their relevance to contemporary issues of identity and representation.