Lepton of Matthathias Antigonus 40-37 BCE

Curator: This is a lepton, a small coin, minted by Matthathias Antigonus. Editor: It’s so tiny! The rough texture and simple design give it such a tangible, almost humble feeling. Curator: These were made from bronze or copper alloy. The inscriptions and symbols were die-struck, indicating mass production for widespread use, thus facilitating trade. Editor: And what did it mean for the people? A Jewish king producing coinage – it speaks volumes about autonomy and resistance during a turbulent period. The symbols must have carried heavy cultural weight. Curator: Exactly. Looking at the coin's composition and materiality gives insight into the economic and political landscape of the time. Editor: Seeing such a modest object carry such potent symbolic and historical weight, truly changes my perspective. Curator: Indeed, it reveals how even the smallest objects can illuminate complex social and economic histories.