Ancient NGC Certified Judaea Coin 103-76 BC Alexander Jannaeus Dynasty

Ancient NGC Certified Judaea Coin 103-76 BC - Alexander Jannaeus Dynasty. Comucoplas/inscription struck over'Greek' type. The Book of Maccabees relates the story of the revolt led by Judah the Maccabee, against the oppressive rule of Greece. It led to over 150 years of Jewish rule in the Land of Israel under the descendants of Judah, commonly called the Hasmonean Dynasty.

Yet, although the military battle was successful, there continued a cultural war between Judaism and Hellenism that is still studied today. The best physical evidence to this cultural war is a coin minted by Alexander Yannai, the great-nephew of Judah. Most of his coins fall within two basic types. 1 The "Temple symbols type" featured a double cornucopia on the obverse with a Hebrew legend on the back: Jonathan the High Priest... 2 The "Hellenistic type" had an anchor on the obverse with a Greek legend: Alexander the King.

The reverse had an eight-rayed star. The fascinating third type is a variation of the Hellenistic type that has been overstruck with the Temple coin design. Scholars are still debating the reason why these coins were overstruck.