Southland Coins & Collectibles Inc.
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Ancient Coins and Artifacts
Luristan Sword (1000 B.C.) - $3,995.00
Luristan artifacts were made by a society of semi-nomadic people that once lived in the mountainous region of northwest Iran. Little is known about this ancient culture but most impressive are the bronze artifacts they left behind that can be found in parts of present-day Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan.
This ancient sword was cast and forged in bronze and features an elaborate handle that may have been covered in ivory or other materials. In ancient times, swords were the most prized weapon that a soldier carried. Very few of them owned or carried them because of their excessive cost. Therefore, swords were probably reserved for only the aristocracy--the highest rank and wealthiest warriors of noble descent. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the necklaces.
This ancient sword was cast and forged in bronze and features an elaborate handle that may have been covered in ivory or other materials. In ancient times, swords were the most prized weapon that a soldier carried. Very few of them owned or carried them because of their excessive cost. Therefore, swords were probably reserved for only the aristocracy--the highest rank and wealthiest warriors of noble descent. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the necklaces.
Roman Sling Bullets (1st and 2nd Century A.D.) Battlefield Recovery - $59.00 each
Roman sling bullets were projectiles used by soldiers in ancient Rome, often made of lead and designed for use with slings. The best sling ammunition came from lead, because lead was very dense and offered the minimum size and air resistance. They were also very difficult to see in flight. These projectiles could be deadly when fired at range and would add to the turmoil that the Roman army could put on its enemies. Slings were mainly used by specialized auxiliary troops who were recruited to fight alongside Roman legions.
The sling bullets were made into a variety of shpes, the most common resembling the shape of an almond or football, most likely because they will rest in a sling cradle with little danger of rolling out.
Some of them were drilled with holes to create a whistling sound in flight to intimidate the enemy during battle.
The sling bullets were made into a variety of shpes, the most common resembling the shape of an almond or football, most likely because they will rest in a sling cradle with little danger of rolling out.
Some of them were drilled with holes to create a whistling sound in flight to intimidate the enemy during battle.
Widow's Mite (Jewish Lepton) - 103-76 BC - $24.95 each
The "Widow's Mite," widely believed to be known as a lepton (which means small or tiny), were coins minted by Alexander Jannaeus, King of Judaea, from 103 to 76 B.C. He was the great grand-nephew of King Judah Maccabee. Two lepta were worth a quandrans, the smallest Roman coin, and a lepton was the least valuable coin that circulated in Judaea. The term "mite" did not exist when the coins were circulated; the word meant "small cut piece" in Old Dutch and was used in Flanders in the 14th century. It became more popular after being used in the King James Bible in 1611. The coins are referred to in the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark 12:41-44.
Widow's Mite Necklace - $59.00 each
The ancient widow's mite, referenced in the New Testament story in the Gospel of Mark, 12:41-44 is mounted on a bezel with a leather rope necklace. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the necklaces.
Roman Nails - $25.00 each
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These genuine Roman nails were recovered from the Roman fortress at Inchtuthill, Scotland, in 1959. The fortress was built in 82 A.D. as the advanced headquarters for the army of Governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola in his campaign against the Caledonian (Celtic) tribes. The fortress covered 53 acres and was occupied by Legion XX Valeria Victrix. Legion XX was transferred in 87 A.D., and the fortress was dismantled. All metal items were buried to keep the Celtic tribes from turning the metals into weapons. Almost 1 million nails were recovered during the excavation.
Some of the hoard was stored at a steelworks and was eventually recycled. As a result, there may be products of steel driving around or on a family's dining room table with the iron content from these Roman nails. As a recyclable commodity, the material of the nails lives on. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins. |
Ancient Roman Nail and Widow's Mite Set - $65.00 each
These nails were created and used by the Roman Empire within 50 years of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They were discovered in 1959 and were part of a Roman fortress in Northern Scotland. After the Romans stripped the fortress in 87 A.D., they buried the nails so that their enemies could not find them and use them to make swords.
The Lepton or "Widow’s Mite" was the smallest of the bronze coins in Jewish currency. These coins are referred to in the New Testament in Mark 12:41-44, “And He sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they are casting into the treasury: for they did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
The coins were issued during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (Jannai/Yannai), the second Hasmonean king of Judaea from 103 to 76 BC. A son of John Hyrcanus, he inherited the throne from his brother Aristobulus I, and married his brother's widow, Queen Salome Alexandra. From his conquests to expand the kingdom to a bloody civil war, Alexander's reign has been generalized as cruel and oppressive with never ending conflict. The set comes with a certificate of authenticity in an attractive display case and will be a beautiful addition to your historical collection!
The Lepton or "Widow’s Mite" was the smallest of the bronze coins in Jewish currency. These coins are referred to in the New Testament in Mark 12:41-44, “And He sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they are casting into the treasury: for they did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
The coins were issued during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (Jannai/Yannai), the second Hasmonean king of Judaea from 103 to 76 BC. A son of John Hyrcanus, he inherited the throne from his brother Aristobulus I, and married his brother's widow, Queen Salome Alexandra. From his conquests to expand the kingdom to a bloody civil war, Alexander's reign has been generalized as cruel and oppressive with never ending conflict. The set comes with a certificate of authenticity in an attractive display case and will be a beautiful addition to your historical collection!
Roman Coins - Prutah
Herod I (Herod the Great) Prutah (40 B.C. to 4 A.D.) - $75.00 each
Herod 1 was made king in 40 B.C. by a declaration of the Roman Senate and approval by the triumvirate, marshaled by Mark Antony. His power was reaffirmed by Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Herod was a Roman-Jewish client king of the Herodian kingdom of Judaea. He was known for this numerous building projects throughout Judaea, including the rebuilding of the second Temple of Jerusalem. His reign differentiates among historians, however, with some viewing his legacy as evidence of success and others viewing it as a reminder of his tyrannical rule.
Herod was a descendant of an Idumean (the territory of Edom, south of Judaea and the Dead Sea) family, which had converted to Judaism only two generations earlier. Herod rose to power through his father Antipater’s good relations with Roman generals and Julius Caesar, who entrusted Antipater with the public affairs of Judaea. Herod I was appointed the provincial governor of Galilee around 47 B.C., when he was about 15 years old. He and the Roman general Socius, the governor of Syria, at the behest of Mark Antony, set out with a large army in 37 B.C. and captured Jerusalem. Herod took the role as the sole ruler of Judaea, ushering in the Herodian dynasty and ending the Hasmonean dynasty.
Herod ruled Judaea by the grace of Rome. One of his policy goals was to strengthen the foreign element in ancient Israel and bring the kingdom completely in line as a strong link in the Roman Empire. With his construction expenses and other costs of his lavish court, gifts and bribes to relatives and Roman allies, and heavy taxes to Rome, Herod amassed a huge debt. To pay it, he heavily taxed the people of Judaea.
While Herod was Jewish, he was less popular with the Jews than the Romans. He was considered as cruel, vengeful and power hungry among the Jews but was regarded as an important patron, a man of kindness, generosity, good will, piety, and a friend of Romans and the Emperor. The most important figure in Christianity, Jesus Christ, was born during Herod’s tenure.
The bronze protut (plural of prutah) pictured were minted with the obverse showing an anchor with the letters HPW BACI^. The reverse features a double cornucopia with a caduceus between and dots above it. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Herod was a descendant of an Idumean (the territory of Edom, south of Judaea and the Dead Sea) family, which had converted to Judaism only two generations earlier. Herod rose to power through his father Antipater’s good relations with Roman generals and Julius Caesar, who entrusted Antipater with the public affairs of Judaea. Herod I was appointed the provincial governor of Galilee around 47 B.C., when he was about 15 years old. He and the Roman general Socius, the governor of Syria, at the behest of Mark Antony, set out with a large army in 37 B.C. and captured Jerusalem. Herod took the role as the sole ruler of Judaea, ushering in the Herodian dynasty and ending the Hasmonean dynasty.
Herod ruled Judaea by the grace of Rome. One of his policy goals was to strengthen the foreign element in ancient Israel and bring the kingdom completely in line as a strong link in the Roman Empire. With his construction expenses and other costs of his lavish court, gifts and bribes to relatives and Roman allies, and heavy taxes to Rome, Herod amassed a huge debt. To pay it, he heavily taxed the people of Judaea.
While Herod was Jewish, he was less popular with the Jews than the Romans. He was considered as cruel, vengeful and power hungry among the Jews but was regarded as an important patron, a man of kindness, generosity, good will, piety, and a friend of Romans and the Emperor. The most important figure in Christianity, Jesus Christ, was born during Herod’s tenure.
The bronze protut (plural of prutah) pictured were minted with the obverse showing an anchor with the letters HPW BACI^. The reverse features a double cornucopia with a caduceus between and dots above it. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Agrippa I Prutah (37 to 44 A.D.) - $75.00 each
Agrippa I was an heir to both the Hasmonean and Herodian bloodlines and was the last Jewish King to reign over Judaea. He was the grandson of Herod I. His grandmother, Mariamne, one of the wives of Herod I and of the Hasmonean family, along with his father, Aristobulus, and uncle, Antipater, were executed by Herod I. At around 5 years of age, Agrippa’s mother took him to Rome, likely in fear that he might also be killed by his grandfather due to Herod’s paranoia.
While there, he became friends of Claudius and Gaius (Caligula). Agrippa told Caligula that he hoped Caligula would succeed the elderly Tiberius as emperor, and it was overheard and reported to Tiberius. Tiberius imprisoned Agrippa, where he remained until Tiberius died six months later. Caligula, Agrippa’s friend, released him and crowned him king of his uncle Philip’s former tetrarchy. Two years later, his uncle Antipas visited Caligula, asking for more power. Caligula was annoyed and banished him and added his territory to Agrippa’s.
Agrippa was an enthusiastic client king of Rome. When Caligula was murdered, his contributions to ensure the succession of his friend Claudius were significant. As a result, Claudius handed over the territories of Judaea and Samaria. Agrippa now had united under his rule the entire territory once governed by his grandfather, Herod I.
Sources say that Agrippa was a benevolent king for the Jews, following Pharisee tradition. Initially loyal to Rome, he eventually became deeply religious and developed nationalistic feelings toward the territory he governed. Agrippa was king of Judaea during the decade after Jesus’ death and faced issues dealing with the spread of Christianity, siding more with the views of the Sadducees. He ordered the death of the apostle James, son of Zebedee, and imprisoned the apostle Peter, intending to have him killed, but Peter escaped.
Agrippa I died in 44 A.D., the last of the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
While there, he became friends of Claudius and Gaius (Caligula). Agrippa told Caligula that he hoped Caligula would succeed the elderly Tiberius as emperor, and it was overheard and reported to Tiberius. Tiberius imprisoned Agrippa, where he remained until Tiberius died six months later. Caligula, Agrippa’s friend, released him and crowned him king of his uncle Philip’s former tetrarchy. Two years later, his uncle Antipas visited Caligula, asking for more power. Caligula was annoyed and banished him and added his territory to Agrippa’s.
Agrippa was an enthusiastic client king of Rome. When Caligula was murdered, his contributions to ensure the succession of his friend Claudius were significant. As a result, Claudius handed over the territories of Judaea and Samaria. Agrippa now had united under his rule the entire territory once governed by his grandfather, Herod I.
Sources say that Agrippa was a benevolent king for the Jews, following Pharisee tradition. Initially loyal to Rome, he eventually became deeply religious and developed nationalistic feelings toward the territory he governed. Agrippa was king of Judaea during the decade after Jesus’ death and faced issues dealing with the spread of Christianity, siding more with the views of the Sadducees. He ordered the death of the apostle James, son of Zebedee, and imprisoned the apostle Peter, intending to have him killed, but Peter escaped.
Agrippa I died in 44 A.D., the last of the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Roman Prefects
After Herod Archelaus (one of Herod the Great's sons) was banished in 6 B.C., Rome assigned a series of governors, called prefects or procurators, to govern Judaea directly. With the exception of the three years that Agrippa I reigned as king (41-44 A.D.), the prefects and procurators governed until 66 A.D. A Roman governor was head of the judicial system, had the power to inflict capital punishment, was responsible for collecting tributes and taxes and dispersing funds (retaining a good portion of this wealth), and the minting of coins. The men appointed as governors between 6 and 44 A.D. also took an advisory role over the Jerusalem Temple, which included the power to appoint the high priest.
The coins of Roman Judaea were minted by the prefects and procurators of the province beween 6 to 66 A.D. in only one denomination and size, the bronze prutah. All of the coins were minted in Jerusalem. They deviated from typical Roman coins that featured the emporer's portrait, displaying symbols such as palm trees or ears of grain. The exception was ones minted when Pontius Pilate was governor that contained a Roman cultic item on one side with Jewish imagery on the reverse.
The coins of Roman Judaea were minted by the prefects and procurators of the province beween 6 to 66 A.D. in only one denomination and size, the bronze prutah. All of the coins were minted in Jerusalem. They deviated from typical Roman coins that featured the emporer's portrait, displaying symbols such as palm trees or ears of grain. The exception was ones minted when Pontius Pilate was governor that contained a Roman cultic item on one side with Jewish imagery on the reverse.
Coponius Prutah (6 to 9 A.D.) - $75.00 each
Coponius was the first Roman prefect of the Judaean province and ruled from 6 to 9 A.D. He was a ruler of the equestrian order, the second class of the Roman elite, after the senators. He was appointed by the emperor Augustus with full powers, including imposing capital punishment.
While he was in office, the long-standing hatred and rivalry between the Jews and Samaritans was revived. During one Passover festival, when the doors of the Temple were open at midnight, some Samaritans entered by the first door and scattered human bones along the colonnade of the of the sanctuary. After this incident, Coponius was recalled to Rome and replaced by Marcus Ambibulus. This occurrence may be why one door of the Temple was called “the door of Coponius.”
The obverse of the coins feature the letters KAICAPOC (of Caesar) with an ear of grain curved to the right. The reverse features an eight-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
While he was in office, the long-standing hatred and rivalry between the Jews and Samaritans was revived. During one Passover festival, when the doors of the Temple were open at midnight, some Samaritans entered by the first door and scattered human bones along the colonnade of the of the sanctuary. After this incident, Coponius was recalled to Rome and replaced by Marcus Ambibulus. This occurrence may be why one door of the Temple was called “the door of Coponius.”
The obverse of the coins feature the letters KAICAPOC (of Caesar) with an ear of grain curved to the right. The reverse features an eight-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Marcus Ambibulus Prutah (9 to 12 A.D.) - $75.00 each
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Marcus Ambibulus was the second Roman prefect of the province of Judaea (Judaea and Samaria). He was originally a cavalry officer and believed to belong to the equestrian order. He succeeded Coponius in 9 A.D. and was appointed by Augustus. He ruled until 12 A.D. According to the historian Josephus, his tenure was apparently uneventful, since Josephus did not report anything about Ambibulus’ administration other than the death of Herod I’s sister Salome by natural causes.
The obverse features the letters KAICAPOC (of Caesar) with an ear of corn curved to the right. The reverse feattures an eight-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins. |
Valerius Gratus Prutah (15 to 26 A.D.) - $75.00 each
These coins were minted when Valerius Gratus was prefect under the Roman emperor Tiberius. Valerius Gratus was the 4th prefect of the Judaean province. He succeeded Annius Rufus in 15 A.D. and was replaced by Pontius Pilate in 26 A.D. He was known for the frequent changes he made in the appointment of the Jewish High Priests.
The obverse of the coin at left has the letters TIB KAI CAP (Tib(erius) Caesar) surrounded by a wreath tied at the base with an X. The reverse of the coin on the right has the letters IOY ^IA (Julia), and LI^ representing the year 11 (24/25 A.D.) with a palm branch in the center. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
The obverse of the coin at left has the letters TIB KAI CAP (Tib(erius) Caesar) surrounded by a wreath tied at the base with an X. The reverse of the coin on the right has the letters IOY ^IA (Julia), and LI^ representing the year 11 (24/25 A.D.) with a palm branch in the center. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Pontius Pilate Prutah (26 to 36 A.D.) - $125.00 each
Pontius Pilate was the 5th prefect of the Judaean province, serving under the emperor Tiberius from 26/27-36/37 A.D. He is best known for being the official who presided over the trial of Jesus and ultimately ordered his crucifixion. His importance in Christianity is underscored by his prominant place in the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed. Several historians and philosophers, along with the Gospel of Luke, mention incidents of tension and violence between the Jewish population and Pilate's administration acting in ways that offended the Jews religiously. For example, on the prutahs minted, he used images of two objects that were emblems of the Roman cult, the simpulum (ladle used during pagan sacrifices) and the lituus (auger's wand). The coin on the left was minted with the letters IOY ^IA KAICAPOC (Julia the Queen) and three bound ears of grain, the outer two drooping. The coin on the right was minted with the letters TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC (of Tiberius Caesar) and shows the lituus (auger's wand). Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Antonius Felix Prutah (54 to 60 A.D.) - $75.00 each
Antonius Felix was the final procurator sent to Judaea by the emperor Claudius, and he remained after Nero became emperor. He served from 52-60 A.D. Felix married Drusilla (who was Jewish), the daughter of Herod Agrippa I. He is mentioned in Acts of the Apostles in the Bible (Acts 24) when the apostle Paul was brought to trial before Felix for preaching the gospel and advocating customs that were seen as unlawful to the Jewish leaders. Felix was a tyrant, resorting to cruelty and lust and imprisoned Paul for two years while hoping for a bribe. The period of his rule was marked by internal feuds and disturbances, which he put down with severity. The coin on the left was minted with the letters NEWP K^AI KAICAP (Nero Claud(ius) Caesar--son of Claudius) with two oblong shields and spears crossed. The coin on the right was minted with the letters BPIT (Brit(annicus)--younger son of Claudius), LI∆ KAI (year 14 of Caesar = 54 A.D.) and a six-branched palm tree bearing two bunches of dates. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Porcius Festus Prutah (60 to 62 A.D.) - $75.00 each
Porcius Festus was sent as a successor to Felix by the Emperor Nero and served from 59-62 A.D. Festus was the procurator who sent the apostle Paul to Rome to be tried. Felix was the last governor of Judaea to issue coins during his reign. This was a time of confusion and strife, leading up to the Jewish War, which began in 66 A.D. The Jewish Zealots, (known as Sicarii--daggermen), increased in number during Festus' rule, despite his attempts to crush them.
The coin at left was minted with the letters NEP WNO C (of Nero) within a wreath, which is tied at the bottom with an X. The coin at right was minted with the letters LE KAICAPOC (year 5 = 58/59 A.D., of Caesar) and a palm branch. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
The coin at left was minted with the letters NEP WNO C (of Nero) within a wreath, which is tied at the bottom with an X. The coin at right was minted with the letters LE KAICAPOC (year 5 = 58/59 A.D., of Caesar) and a palm branch. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Cuneiform Tablet - 19th-16th Century B.C. - $2,250.00 each
This is a buff-fired clay account tablet, consisting of quantities of grain with the names of the patrons on both sides. 16/11 lines of text, measuring 3.5 inches x 2.5 inches.
Cuneiform was first developed around 3200 B.C. by Sumerian scribes in the ancient city-state of Uruk (present day Iraq). It was not a language but a system of writing used to inscribe information in a variety of languages. The word cuneiform is derived from the Latin word cuneus, which means wedge; cuneiform literally means “wedge shaped.” The wedge-shaped letters were pressed into a clay tablet using a stylus usually made of reed. The wet clay was then baked or left to dry. Different combinations of these marks represented syllables, which could in turn be put together to form words. Cuneiform as a robust writing tradition endured 3,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered vast libraries of cuneiform tablets in archaeological sites across the Near and Middle East. The tablets from these libraries have taught archaeologists a great deal about the cultures of the ancient Middle Eastern region. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Cuneiform was first developed around 3200 B.C. by Sumerian scribes in the ancient city-state of Uruk (present day Iraq). It was not a language but a system of writing used to inscribe information in a variety of languages. The word cuneiform is derived from the Latin word cuneus, which means wedge; cuneiform literally means “wedge shaped.” The wedge-shaped letters were pressed into a clay tablet using a stylus usually made of reed. The wet clay was then baked or left to dry. Different combinations of these marks represented syllables, which could in turn be put together to form words. Cuneiform as a robust writing tradition endured 3,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered vast libraries of cuneiform tablets in archaeological sites across the Near and Middle East. The tablets from these libraries have taught archaeologists a great deal about the cultures of the ancient Middle Eastern region. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Roman Carthaginian Oil Lamp - 5th Century A.D. - $695.00
This beautiful, ancient terra cotta oil lamp is decorated with a fish in the center, a symbol popular in Christianity, surrounded by ornate decorations along the rim.
The oil lamp was in use in the ancient world for thousands of years and saw continued and heavy use during the Roman period. Varieties ranged from ornately decorated bronze ones to more simple ones. They could be carried by hand or placed in proper locations to light the interior of a house. Many were also used at alters and temples. Large numbers of lamps with the typical “North African” style, as this one, were made in workshops along the Mediterranean coast of Africa in the 5th Century A.D. Carthage, Tunisia, was probably the center of the trade, however, Alexandria, Egypt, may also have been a major production center in North Africa.
The lamp was made by putting two molded pieces of clay together and then letting it harden. Holes were added so that the lamp could be filled with oil and the wick placed inside. The lamp would then be fired for up to two days until it was ready for use. To light the lamp, a long wick was put inside the hole at the tip of the lamp. The interior was filled with oil, and the wick would absorb the oil. The wick was then lit, similar to lighting a candle. The oil that was usually used in oil lamps was olive oil as it was widely available in the Mediterranean world.
Carthage (modern Tunis) was an important Mediterranean trading port just 140 miles from Sicily and easily accessible by sea. Evolving from a Phoenician colony, it became a center of great affluence. Carthage was a major mercantile empire and a military rival to the Roman Republic until 146 B.C. when it was defeated by the Romans who occupied Tunisia for most of the next 800 years. The Romans introduced Christianity and left architectural legacies like the Amphitheatre of El Jem. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
The oil lamp was in use in the ancient world for thousands of years and saw continued and heavy use during the Roman period. Varieties ranged from ornately decorated bronze ones to more simple ones. They could be carried by hand or placed in proper locations to light the interior of a house. Many were also used at alters and temples. Large numbers of lamps with the typical “North African” style, as this one, were made in workshops along the Mediterranean coast of Africa in the 5th Century A.D. Carthage, Tunisia, was probably the center of the trade, however, Alexandria, Egypt, may also have been a major production center in North Africa.
The lamp was made by putting two molded pieces of clay together and then letting it harden. Holes were added so that the lamp could be filled with oil and the wick placed inside. The lamp would then be fired for up to two days until it was ready for use. To light the lamp, a long wick was put inside the hole at the tip of the lamp. The interior was filled with oil, and the wick would absorb the oil. The wick was then lit, similar to lighting a candle. The oil that was usually used in oil lamps was olive oil as it was widely available in the Mediterranean world.
Carthage (modern Tunis) was an important Mediterranean trading port just 140 miles from Sicily and easily accessible by sea. Evolving from a Phoenician colony, it became a center of great affluence. Carthage was a major mercantile empire and a military rival to the Roman Republic until 146 B.C. when it was defeated by the Romans who occupied Tunisia for most of the next 800 years. The Romans introduced Christianity and left architectural legacies like the Amphitheatre of El Jem. Click on the image to see a larger representation of the coins.
Holy Land Oil Lamps - $135.00 each
We have a wide variety of beautiful terra cotta oil lamps from the Holy Land, circa 100-400 AD. With the purchase of an oil lamp, you will also receive an ancient coin for free.
Silver Tetradrachm, Attica, Athens - Choice - $1,195.00 each
These beautiful tetradrachm coins were minted between 440-404 B.C. The obverse features the ancient Greek goddess Athena, often associated with wisdom, handicraft, and warfare. Athena was regarded as the patron and protectress of various cities across Greece, particularly the city of Athens, from which she most likely received her name. Her major symbols include owls, olive trees, snakes, and gorgoneion (an amulet used by Athena as a protective pendant).
The reverse features one of Athena's symbols, an owl, along with olive spray and the moon. Each coin is certified authentic by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and are in Choice AU condition.
Click on the image to see a larger representation of each coin.
The reverse features one of Athena's symbols, an owl, along with olive spray and the moon. Each coin is certified authentic by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and are in Choice AU condition.
Click on the image to see a larger representation of each coin.