Kern 092500

Phoenecia, the city of Byblos, from whence the word Bible

is de ri ved. Byblos was an ancient center f or the
production of papyrus, on which many early scriptures
were written. 400-333 B.C., silver 1/8 shekel, about 3/4
gram. Obv.: Greek hopl ites (heavily armored
mercenaries) in a Phoenecian galley, above a hippocamp
(type of sea serpent). Rev.: lion attacking a bull. Cleaned
bright white. EF $77.; VF $47.; F ............................

$27.

VF Lily Bronze

Jerusalem bronze Prutah (about 14mm), struck by John

Hycarnus, 132-130 B.C., as vassal of Antiochus VII,
Seleukid King of Syria. John was the son of Simon the
Maccabee, and the nephew of the legendary hero Judah
Maccabee. Obv.: Lily, a much used flower decoration on
the Temple and priestly robes. Rev.: upside down anchor,
as stored on a galley ready for use, and the name of
Antiochus in Greek. The persistent use of the anchor
during the next 150 years of coinage referred to the
importance of the seacoast cities of the Holy Land, where
trade routes by sea and by land intersected. VF $197.;
Fine $67.; VG $27.; G .............................................

$12.

VF Judaean

Bronze Prutah of John Hycarnus I, 130-104 B.C., as high

priest and head of the council of the Jews. John Hycarnus
was the first Maccabean, or Hasmonean, to issue coins.
He was a political and military genius and built a sound
foundation for the young Judaean kingdom which took a
couple generations of his descendants to waste and ruin.
O b v.: double cornucopiae, pomegranate in middle.
Rev.: Hebrew inscription in wreath. Uncleaned VF $127.;
Fine $47.; VG..........................................................

$27.

Judah Aristobulus I, 104-103 B.C. was the eldest son of

John Hycarnus I who proclaimed himself king, and
adopted the Greek name meaning "friend of the Hellenes."
He threw his mother and 3 of his brothers in prison, and
inadvertently had his friendly brother assassinated
because of his paranoia. Either illness or his heavy guilt
killed him quickly. VF $277.; F $177.; VG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $77.

VF Widow's Mites

Bronze P rutah of Alexander Jannaeus, 103-76 B .C.

Jannaeus was a capable ruler and general, but often in
conflict with the Pharisses. Obv.: anchor, "King A l e x a n d e r "
in Greek. Rev.: Star of eight rays surrounded by a diadem,
sometimes Hebrew letters between rays or outside
diadem. The Wi d o w 's Mite of Mark 12:41-44 could have
been any of the small bronze coins circulating in Judaea
during the lifetime of Christ. The Prutah of Jannaeus were
struck in such vast quantities that statistically they become
the most likely candidates. They certainly circulated for a
long time. Archaeologists have found them in deposits of
the Roman period as late as 300 A.D. Coin dealer hearsay
relates the discovery of a vast hoard of Jannaeus bronzes,
totaling perhaps 200,000 coins. A caravan carrying a mint
shipment was perhaps attacked during the civil war raging
from 95-89 B.C. How do you hide 850 pounds of coins in a
few minutes? Dump them down the well at your oasis and
hope that you survive the battle. Crudely struck, all nicely
cleaned. Fine -V F $19. each. Very Fine+ $37 .;
Ch. EF $77.; 3 F-VF for ..........................................

$47.

More Widow's Mites, VF

Different bronze Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, 103-76 B.C.

O b v.: Hebrew inscription in wreath "Yehonatan the High
Priest and the Council of the Jews. " Rev.: Double
cornucopiae adorned with ribbons, pomegranate in
middle. Fine $19.; VF $37.; EF ...............................

$77.

GRADING of Judaean bronzes. These coins are
generally poorly struck on defective planchets with
crude dies, by hand. They have been buried and need
light to heavy cleaning, and corrosion has frequently
occurred. In general, a VF will show 80% of the
intended design, a Fine will show 60%, a VG 40%, or
will be fine but with rougher surfaces, or a more
irregular planchet, and a G will show about 20% of the
intended design. Collect ors never buy Judaean
bronzes for their aesthetic appreciation, but Judaean
bronzes sell by the thousands for their antiquity, origin,
and historical and religious significance.

Bronze Prutah of John Hycarnus II, 67 and 63-40 B.C.

John was engag ed in a ci vil wa r with his brother,
Aristobulus II, and sought the aid of Pompey the Great of
Rome. Pompey besieged Jerusa lem, defeated
Aristobulus, and installed John as the "ethnarch" or ruler
of the people. The Roman governor in Antioch, Syria,
administered several provinces, including Judaea.
O b v.: double cornucopiae, pomegrante in the middle.
Rev.: Hebrew inscription in wreath. Uncleaned VF $127.;
Fine $47.; VG..........................................................

$27.

Fine

Bronze Prutah of Mattathias Antigonus, 40-37 B.C., son of

Aristobulus II, sought the military aid of the Parthian King
Orodes II, allegedly with a gift including 500 Jewish
women. Mattathias and the Parthian army occupied
Jerusalem. At least one historian accuses Mattathias of
gnawing off his uncle Hycarnus II's ears, so he could no
longer be the high priest of the Jews, since the high priest
was required to be without bodily blemish. Antigonus then
claimed that office. Herod (later the Great) of the
Idumaean dynasty, and governor of Galilee, fled to Rome
to enlist support, and where he was officially designated
King of Judaea. Herod and the Roman legions besieged
Jerusalem, and captured it in 37 B.C. and executed
Mattathias, ending the Hasmonean dynasty. Obv.: Double
cornucopiae, ear of barley in middle. Rev.: Hebrew for
Mattatayah in wreath. Very crude, Fine $97.; VG ...

$47.

VF+

Bronze Prutah of Herod "the Great," 40-4 B.C., are perhaps

another strong candidate for the actual widow's mite,
since they were issued in large numbers, for a long reign
and the smallest, poorly made examples capture the
essence of the p arable. W hen Herod ordered the
execution of two of his sons, Augustus remarked that "It is
better to be Herod's pig than his son." Herod had also
executed his wife, and anyone else under his rule of
whom he feared. Herod ordered the "Massacre of the
Innocents" Matthew 2:16-18, which was the mass
execution of all Jewish male infants and t oddlers
anywhere near Bethlehem, where he had heard a future
king of the Jews would be born. With taxes he extracted
from the populace he did rebuild the Temple, and other
public buildings in Jerusalem. He built artificial harbors,
palaces, and a series of palace fortresses, including the
famous Masada. Obv.: A n c h o r, Greek for "King Herod".
R e v.: double cornucopiae, caduceus in middle, dots
above. VF $147.; Fine $47.; VG .............................

$17.

Abt. Unc.

Augustus, 31 B.C. to 14 A.D., was second of the Tw e l v e

Caesars of the Roman Empire. He ordered the census
that took Joseph and Mary back to Bethlehem about 4
B.C. to register for his empire wide taxation. Luke 2:1-7.
S ilver denarius, struck 2 B.C. to 14 A.D., with the
grandsons of Augustus, Caius and Lucius, standing on
the reverse with spears, shields and sacrificial
impl ements. This issue u suall y has odd shaped
planchets, off center strikes, and various banker's test
marks. Abt. Unc. $497.; EF-AU $397.; EF $277.; VF
$177.; F $137.; VG $97.; G.....................................

$57.

Silver tetradrachm struck during the reign of Augustus at the

Antioch mint, 31-17 B.C. The Romans continued using
almost the exact designs of the last Seleukid Greek King,
Philip Philadelphos. It has been suggested that this coin
could have been the type from the fish's mouth, Matthew
17:24. At any rate, they circulated heavily throughout the
East. The money changers in the Temple were there to
exchange coins like these, about 75% silver, into the
acceptable Tyrian silver, minus their fee, of course.
Slightly grainy surfaces VF $77.; bold Fine.............

$57.

EF+ As of Lugdunum Mint

VF Brass Dupondius of Antioch Mint

Fine Bronze of Amphpolis Mint

Various bronze denominations of Augustus, Rome mint or

other widespread cities of the empire. 31 B.C. and later.
Some posthumous issues by Tiberius occur. Obv.: portrait
of emperor. Rev.: plowing scene, alter deities or others.
EF+ $677.; VF $277.; l arge Fine $77.; small Fine
(see Tiberius Bronze)..............................................

$37.

Holy Land, 0 A.D.

Bronze Prutah of Herod Archelaus, one of Herod's more

fortunate sons, ruled Judaea 4 B.C. to 6 A.D. A u g u s t u s
confirmed him as "ethnarch", a title which appears on his
coins in Greek. He clashed with the faithful Jews in
Jerusalem, ruled so brutally, and was so disliked (Luke
19:14), that Augu stus re mo ved hi m from off i c e ,
confiscated his wealth, and banished him to Gaul.
Augustus then made Judaea a subdivision of the province
of Syria, with the ruler an appointed Roman prefect.

Obv.: Prow of Galley, HPW, Greek for Herod. Rev.: ETHN,

in Greek, for ethnarch, insi de w reath. Fin e $ 97.;
VG $47.; G ..............................................................

$17.

O b v.: b unch of grapes on vi ne. "He rod" R ev.: ta ll

crested helmet, "Ethnarch." VF $197.; Fine $97.; VG $47.;
G .............................................................................

$17.

Youth of Christ

Bronze Prutah of Coponius, 6 to 9 A.D., prefect of Judaea,

appointed by Augustus. Obv.: ear of barley, "of Caesar"
R e v.: palm tree, "year 36" of Augustus, or 6 A.D. Ve r y
Fine $177.; Fine $77.; VG $27.; date not visible in VG so
they could be 6 to 12 A.D., including the next prefect.

Fine

Bronze Prutah of Marcus Ambibulus, prefect of Judaea 9 to

12 A.D., also appointed by Augustus. Obv.: ear of barley,
"of Caesar." Rev.: palm tree, "year 39." "40" or "41" of
Augustus, 9, 10, or 11 A.D. Very Fine $197.; Fine ..

$77.

Bronze Prutah of Valerius Gratus, prefect of Judaea 15 to

26 A.D., appointed by Tiberius, stepson of A u g u s t u s .
O b v.: "Tiberius Caesar" in wreath. Rev.: "Julia" (also
known as Livia, mother of Tiberius), palm branch, and
year 4, 5, or 11 = 17, 18 or 24 A.D. VF $177.; F $77.;
VG $27.; year not visible.

The Tribute Penny

The "Tribute Penny of the Bible," Mark 12:14-17, was a

silver denarius of the Roman emperor Tiberius, the third
of the Twelve Caesars, who ruled from 14 to 37 A . D .
O b v.: laureate bust of Tiberius. Rev.: Livia?, his mother,
seated. EF $397.; VF $297.; F $177.; VG............... $127.

Tiberius Bronze

Bronze quadrans from the Parium mint of Tiberius, 14-37

A.D. Obv.: bare head of Tiberius. Rev.: retired legionnaire
plowing his retirement farm. Whole colonies were
populated by soldiers who received land after their 20
years of service. VF $97.; Fine ..............................

$37.

COINS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY

JONATHAN K. KERN

continued

100%

150%

100%

GRA DING of Judaean bronzes. These coins are
generally poorly struck on defective planchets with
crude dies, by hand. They have been buried and need
light to heavy cleaning, and corrosion has frequently
occurred. In general, a VF will show 80% of the
intended design, a Fine will show 60%, a VG 40%, or
will be fine but with rougher surfaces, or a more
irregular planchet, and a G will show about 20% of the
intended design. Collectors never buy Judaean
bronzes for their aesthetic appreciation, but Judaean
bronzes sell by the thousands for their antiquity, origin,
and historical and religious significance.

JONATHAN K. KERN

continued

"Tribute Penny in Gold"

Gold aureus of Tiberius, same dates and designs as the

silver, hence the nickname. VF+, edge bump.........$2177.

The Crucifixion

Bronze P rutah struck by P ontius Pilate as prefect or

procurator of Judaea. The early title for this office was
prefect, and it was not officially designated procurator
until the reign of Claudius, 41-54 C.E. He was appointed
by Tiberius Caesar, the stepson of Augustus Caesar and
the third of the Twelve Caesars who ruled Rome from 14
to 37 A.D. Pontius Pilate ruled in the Holy Land from 26 to
36 A.D. He presided over the trial of Jesus Christ and
ordered the Crucifixion only after the mob threatened to
riot.

The first type was struck in 29 A.D. and features three

barley ears surrounded by the name Julia (Ti b e r i u s '
mother usually known as Livia) and her title. On the
reverse is the sacrif ici al ladle called a simpulum,
surrounded by Greek letters reading "of Tiberius Caesar
year 16." VF $277.; Fine $77.; VG ..........................

$47.

The second type was struck in 30 to 31 A.D. and features a

lituus or curved wand of an augur on the obverse
surrounded by "Tiberius Caesar" in Greek. The foretelling
of the future by augury was an important element in
Roman religion and the implements of the high priests
occur regularly on Roman coins. Not surprisingly, the
Romans once again offended the Jews with this symbol
of augury, which was specifically prohibited by Jewish
law. The reverse has the date, "year 17 or 18" surrounded
by a wreath. VF $277.; Fine $77.; VG.....................

$47.

Bronze Prutah of Herod Agrippa, King of Judaea 37 to 44

A.D. He was educated in Rome and was a friend of
Caligula's. Obv.: umbrella or canopy. Rev.: three ears of
barley. Struck 41/42 A.D. in Jerusalem. VF $97.; F $47.;
VG ..........................................................................

$17.

Paul's Journeys

VF $177.

Silver cistophoric tetradrachm, about 12.6 grams, of

Ephesus, the Greek city in Asia Minor visited by the
Apostle Paul during his 2nd and 3rd journeys. Struck 189-
133 B.C. on a light standard to keep the circulation local.
O b v.: snake emerging from basket, surrounded by ivy
wreath. Rev.: snake on either side of bow case. EF $277.;
VF $177.; Fine ........................................................

$97.

Fine

Bronze Prutah struck 54 A.D. by Antonius Felix, procurator

of Judaea under Claudius and Nero, 52 to 59 A.D. Tw o
types, either F $97.; VG..........................................

$47.

Bronze Prutah of Porcius Festus, procurator of Judaea from

59 to 62 A.D. under Nero. Obv.: Nero's name in wreath.
R e v.: Palm branch, "Caesar, year 5." Struck 59 A.D. VF
$157.; F $67.; VG....................................................

$27.

Fine+

666: The Number of the Beast

Silver tetradrachm from the Antioch mint of the emperor

Nero. Sixth of the Twelve Caesars, he ruled from 54 to 68
A.D. He is most famous for his active persecution of the
early Christians. Peter and Paul were both martyred in
Rome during his reign. Isaac Asimov in his book, REALM
OF NUMBERS, states his belief that the number of the
beast, 666, from Revelation 13:1-18, is a mathematical
codeword for the name of the Roman emperor: Nero
Claudius Domitius. To the early Christians persecuted for
their beliefs, and burned at the stake when they refused
to sacrifice to the emperor; the Roman empire had
become Hell. Nero, commanding the mighty legions of
Rome, officered by his pagan centurions, and who
eventually became quite insane with his megalomania,
certainly fit a description for Satan.

If these writings of St. John were to fall into the hands of the

authorities, all they would read was an allegory of some
hellish demon tormenting t he faithful on earth and
demanding to be worshipped above all other gods. VF
$377.; F $127.; VG..................................................

$77.

Nero Gold

Gold aureus of Nero, 54-68 A.D. Rome mint. Obv.: laureate

bust of Nero. Rev.: Salus enthroned. VF/F, lightly cleaned,
rev. rim marks ......................................................... $1977.

Bronze Prutah of the Jewish War or "First Revolt" struck 67

to 69 A.D. The siege and capture of Jerusalem resulted in
the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. So many
captured Jews were on the market that the prices of
slaves in the Roman empire dropped to an all time low.
O b v.: two handled amphora with broad rim. Rev.: grape
leaf on vine. VF $197.; F $77.; VG $37.; G.............

$17.

125%

100%

125%

100%

125%

COINS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY

100%

EF, 22/21 B.C.

$977.

Big Abt. Unc. 90/89 B.C.

$1277.

100%

4/5 A.D. VF

$677.

EF, not round

$775.

2/3 A.D.

EF $877.

1/2 A.D. VF

Planchet defects $477.

100%

9/10 A.D. EF

$977.

5/6 A.D.

EF+, small planchet

$677.

1/2 A.D.

Fine due to worn die $377.

1 B.C./1 A.D.

EF+, few spots, $1277.

100%

Star of Bethlehem?

Three of the shekels in this hoard had an unusual star

count ermark carefully stampe d below the ear of
Melquarth, two dated 12/11 B.C. and one 20/19 B.C. Of
the hundreds and hundreds of Melquarth shekels of Tyre
examined by me, I have never seen any test or "banker's"
marks of any kind. It is fun to think that the appearance of
a very bright star or comet about 4 B.C. inspired the
countermarkings of this Temple silver. VF .............. $1775.

THIRTY PIECES

OF SILVER

The "Thirty Pieces of Silver" paid to Judas for his betrayal of

Christ has always been designated as a tetradrachm
(Phoenecian standard of 14.2 grams) or shekel, of the
Phoenecian city of Tyre. Tyre was an independent city
after 126 B.C. and prospered as an important seaport.
The Jewish law required that the annual temple tax for
every male Jew be paid in the form of Tyrian silver, long
known for its full weight and high fineness. The shekels of
Tyre feature Melquarth, or the Tyrian version of Hercules,
on the obverse and an eagle and the club of Hercules on
the reverse. This design continues from 126 B.C. to the
First Revolt of Judaea.

There are some interesting debates concerning this Ty r i a n

s i l v e r. By 20 B.C. the output of silver tetradrachms of
Antioch dominated the economy of the Roman East, and
several distinguished scholars believe the Tyre mint was
closed, and the production of "Tyrian shekels" was moved
to Jerusalem about 18 B.C., and supervised by Herod and
his successors, with the permission of Augustus, to fill the
demand for these pure silver coins to pay the temple tax.
The most telling ancient source is from the Jewish
Talmud, in Tosephta Kethuboth 13,20: "Silver, whenever
mentioned in the Pentateuch, is Tyrian silver. What is a
Tyrian silver? It is a Jerusalemite."

A.D. Choice EF $877.; Choice VF $577.; VF, minor defects

$477.; Fine .............................................................. $377.

VF Judaea Capta

Silver denarius of Vespasian, tenth of the Twelve Caesars,

69 to 79 A.D. He was the general leading the Roman
legions against the Jews, but when Nero committed
suicide he returned to Rome to seek the imperial purple,
leavi ng his son Tit us to fight in the H oly Lan d.
O b v.: laureat e bust of Vespasian. Rev. : IV DA EA,
mourning Jewish captive, seated at foot of military trophy
of captured arms and armour. VF $677.; F $277.;
VG $127.; G ............................................................

$67.

Gold Vespasian

Gold aureus of Vespasian, 69/70 A.D. Lyon mint. Obv. :

laureate bust of Vespasian. Rev.: Fortuna holding globe.
F++/F, faint edge and rim smoothing ...................... $1577.

Fine+

Silver denarius of Titus, eleventh of the Twelve Caesars, 79

to 81 A.D. The arch of Titus, still standing in Rome near
the Colosseum, is decorated with stone reliefs depicting
his triumphal procession through Rome after the defeat of
the Jews. The loot from the Temple is shown, including
the fabulous golden menorah. Obv.: laureate bust of
Titus. Rev.: Four horse chariot in slow victory procession.
VF $497.; F $177.; VG ............................................

$77.

Silver denarius of Domitian, brother of Titus, and last of the

Twelve Caesars, 81 to 96 A.D. The gospels of Matthew,
Luke and John are believed to have been written about
85 to 90 A.D. Obv.: laureate bust of Domitian. Rev. :
usually Minerva in armour, holding spear and shield. Abt.
Unc. $347.; EF $177.; VF $77.; F ...........................

$27.

Domitian Gold

Gold aureus of Domitian as Caesar, 77/78 A.D. under

Vespasian. Obv.: laureate bust of Domitian. Rev.: Captive
Gaul? Kneeling, offering standards. Choice Fine ... $1677.

Silver denarius of Septimus Severus, emperor 193 to 211

A.D. Septimus doubled the legion's wages and reduced
the fineness of the denarius to 50%. In 202 A.D. he
decreed Christian baptism to a criminal act. Obv.: laureate
bust of emperor. Rev.: many different gods or goddesses.
Abt. Unc. $67.; EF $47.; VF....................................

$27.

Unc.

Early Christian Influence

Silver denarius of Severus Alexander, emperor 222 to 235

A.D. This emperor worshipped Christ, but only as part of
his personal pantheon of gods, which included deified
Caesars, Christ, Abraham, and Orpheus. He was a wise
and fair ruler, and during his reign the denarius was
struck on an improved silver standard. Obv.: laureate bust
of Severus Alexander. Rev.: various gods or goddesses.
Gem Unc. $297.; Unc. $177.; Abt. Unc. $67.; EF $37.;
VF ...........................................................................

$27.

Gem Unc.

Gold aureus of Severus Alexander, 230 A.D., Obv.: laureate

bust of Severus A l e x a n d e r. Rev.: Romulus walking,
carrying trophy over shoulder and spear. A s p e c t a c u l a r
gem Unc.! ............................................................... $5700.

Unc.

Silver denarius of Julia Mammaea, mother of Severus

A l e x a n d e r, struck during her son's reign. Some believe
she was the real power behind the Roman throne.
There is evidence that she was educated in Christianity
by the bishop Origen of Alexandria. Obv.: Diademed and
Draped Bust of the empress mother. Rev.: many different
gods and goddesses. Unc. $177.; Abt. Unc. $97.;
EF $47.; VF.............................................................

$27.

Unc.

Silver antoninianus, or double denarius, of Philip I "the

Arab," emperor from 244 to 249 A.D. Philip was the
leading general of the empire and came to power by
d eposing, then executing, Gordi an III . Phili p was
apparently a Christian, as well as his wife, Otacilia
Severa. Saint Chrysostom, an early Christian historian,
records the arrival of Philip and his wife at church in
Antioch on Easter eve. The bishop refused him entry and
said that even the emperor of the world would not be
allowed to take part in the service as long as his hands
were stained with the blood of Gordian's murder. Philip
performed some kind of penance and was welcomed by
the worshippers. Obv.: Draped Bust of Philip wearing a
radiate crown (which indicates the double denarius
denomination). Rev.: many different gods and goddesses.
Choice Unc. $97.; Abt. Unc. $47.; EF $27.; F-VF ...

$19.

Abt. Unc.

Silver antoninianus, or double denarius, of Otacilia Severa.

O b v. : Diademed and Draped Bust of Otacilia on a
crescent (which indicates on empresses'coins the double
denarius denomination). Rev.: many different gods and
goddesses. Choice Unc. $97.; Abt. Unc. $57.; EF $37.;
VF $27.; F ...............................................................

$19.

Unc.

Silver antoninianus of Philip II, young son of Philip I and

Otacilia Severa. He was made co-emperor by his father
and executed in 249 A.D. after his father lost in battle to
the rebel Trajan Decius. Obv.: Draped Bust of the boy
Philip wearing a radiate crown. Rev.: The young Philip
standing in armor, holding a spear and a globe of the
world. Choice Unc. $97.; Abt . Unc. $57.; EF $37.;
VF $27.; F ...............................................................

$19.

Unc.

Silver antoninianus of Trajan Decius, emperor from 249 to

251 A.D. He persecuted the Christians actively, perhaps
because his rival Philip had been one, and Pope Fabian
was the most famous martyr of his reign. Obv.: Draped
Bust of Trajan Decius wearing a radiate crown. Rev. :
many different gods and goddesses. Choice Unc. $97.;
Abt. Unc. $57.; EF $37.; VF ....................................

$27.

Unc.

Billion (5% silver) antoninianus of Diocletian, pre-reform,

284-295 A.D. He was the last sole ruler of the Roman
Empire to actively persecute the Christians. When in high
grade, the 5% silver is concentrated on the surface. The
best theory of minting base silver revolves around
planchet preparation. The blanks were soaked in a brine
(straight salt water?) solution which carried away the
copper atoms on the surface, leaving the less reactive
silver atoms to concentrate on the surface. Striking further
compacts this very thin silver layer, giving this very base
alloy coin a handsome, though temporary finish. Obv. :
Radiate bust of Diocletian. Rev.: Usually Diocletian
receiving a globe surmounted with Victory from Jupiter.
Unc., as much silvering as possible, PQ strike and
planchet. $67.; EF+ $37.; Sometimes slightly dirty.

Abt. Unc.

Roman Coinage Reform

Large billon follis, post reform, struck 295-305 A.D. The new

large follis was worth 5 now heavily debased denari. The
new silver argentus, with the resurrected silver content of
the noble first century denarius, would buy 5 of these new
folles. Obv.: laureate bust of Diocletian. Rev.: Standing
naked Genius of the Roman people. Mint mark below.
Choice Abt. Unc. as much silvering as possible, $97.; EF+
$57.; VF ..................................................................

$37.

Maxentius, Public Enemy, and
Brother in Law of Constantine

Billon (bronze look) follis of Maxentius, 306-312 A.D. T h i s

son of Maximianus was soon at odds with the other
tetrachs, and rebelled. Firmly entrenched in Rome and
Italy, he held power until 312 A.D. when Constantine and
his much smaller army under the standards of Christianity
defeated Maxentius at the battle of Milvian bridge. Obv.:
laureate bust of Maxentius. Rev.: Temple, the Dioscuri, or
Romulus and Remus. EF $67.; VF $37.; F .............

$17.

Constantine the Great

as Caesar, EF+

Billon follis (about 26mm diameter) of Constantine the

Great, as Caesar, 306 to 307 A.D. Diocletian had split the
empire into East and West, with an Augustus ruling each
region, and a Caesar, or heir to the throne for each
region. After the death of his father, Constantius I,
Augustus of the West and leading general, the very
popular Constantine was proclaimed emperor by the
legions without respect for the nominal heir; Severus II,
but Constantine declined (for the moment) and accepted
the subservient role of Caesar of the West under the
newly confirmed Augustus, Severus II. Obv.: laureate bust
of Constantine I. Rev.: Standing naked figure of the
Genius of the Roman people, holding wreath and
cornucopiae, mint mark below. Lower grades look more
bronze. EF+ $247.; VF $97.; F $47.; VG ................

$27.

Abt. Unc.

Christianity as the State Religion

Billon follis circa 308-314 A.D. (about 20mm in diameter) of

Constantine the Great as Augustus, 307 to 337 A.D. T h e
night before the battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine had
a vision of an angel showing him a Christogram, or
Chi-Rho, the first two letters in Greek of the name of
Christ. And the angel said: "Hoc Signo Victro Eris" (In this
sign you shall conquer). Displaying the sign of the cross
on shields and standards, the legions of Constantine were
victorious. Constantine accepted Christianity in 312 A . D . ,
although he waited until his deathbed in 337 A.D. to be
baptized, Christianity became the dominant religion
through Western culture through to the 21st Century. Obv. :
laureate bust of Constantine I. Rev.: Standing naked figure
of Jove (Jupiter or Zeus) holding sceptre and globe. Mint
mark below. Abt. Unc. $97.; EF $57.; VF.................

$37.

Constantine Bronze

Constantine I bronze folles, c. 315-337 A.D. Obv.: laureate

and draped bust of emperor. Rev.: Usually Sol or Jupiter.
EF+, erratic strikes and preservation ...................... $17.75

Unc. Gold

Licinius I, co-emperor, 308-324 A.D. gold aureus struck

321/322 A.D. at the Nicomedia mint. Licinius was married
to Constatine's half-sister, and in 313 A.D. the two Augusti
issued the Edict of Milan granting religious toleration
throughout the empire, although in the East, Maximinus II
conducted persecutions of the Christians unti l he
w as d efe ated by L icinius. The uneasy al liance of
C onstantine and Li cinius lasted until Constanti ne
defeated Licinius in battle in 324 A.D. Obv.: laureate bust
of Licinius. Rev.: Jupiter enthroned on high platform,
eagle at feet. Unc.................................................... $5700.

JONATHAN K. KERN

continued

COINS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY

125%

100%

125%

100%

Abt. Unc.

Bronze of Julian II, the Apostate, 360 to 363 A.D. Julian was

a nephew of Constantine the Great who was the last
pagan emperor of Rome. Obv.: large: diademed and
draped bust of Julian. Small: helmeted bust of Julian
holding spear and shield. Rev.: large: bull with two stars.
Small: declaration of vows in wreath. Small: Choice Abt.
Unc. $97.; EF-AU $67.; different designs VF $37.; F $17.;
Large: EF $377.; VF $217.; F $77.; VG ..................

$37.

$7. Cross Bronzes

Small Roman bronzes, c. 390 to 490 A.D. Poorly made and

low grade, but they feature the first use of the Christian
cross as a central motif. F $47.; VG $17.; G...........

$7.

EF+

Gold solidus of Justinian I, the Great. 527-565 A.D. emperor

in the Roman East or Byzantine Empire. Constantinople
mint. Justinian was famous for expanding the empire,
codifying Roman law, and building the amazing church of
St. Sophia, still standing in Istanbul today. Obv.: armored
and helmeted bust of Justinian facing, holding globe
surmounted by a cross. Rev.: Angel (or Victory) standing
holding long cross and globus cruciger. Abt. Unc. $277.;
EF $247.; VF........................................................... $217.

True Cross in Jerusalem

Gold solidus of Heraclius, Byzantine emperor from 610-641

A.D. The Persians captured the Holy Land and took the
True Cross to Ctesiphon. Heraclius was a great general,
often leading his own troops into battle. He routed the
Persian armies and restored the True Cross to Jerusalem.
O b v.: Heraclius with one or two sons. Rev.: the Tr u e
Cross on four steps as displayed in the church. VF $227.;
EF $277.; Abt. Unc. $347.; blazing Unc. ................. $477.

First Christ Portrait on a Coin

Gold Tremissis (1/3 solidus) of Justinian II, first reign 685-

695 A.D. Obv.: bust of Christ facing, with long hair and
beard, cross behind. Rev.: Justinian II standing, holding
long cross. Constantinople mint. EF or better, but double
striking makes images slightly defective................. $1477.

Gold solidus of Constantine VII with his son Romanus II,

945-959 A.D. Obv. : bust of Christ wearing nimbus
c r u c i g e r, raising right hand in benediction, and book of
Gospels in left. Rev.: Constantine and Romanus with long
cross between. Constantinople mint. EF+ .............. $477.

EF, Christ in Bronze

Anonymous bronze follis of the Byzantine Empire 969 to

1081 A.D. Obv.: Bust of Christ, or he is shown standing or
enthroned. Rev.: Legends, crosses, or Virgin. EF, sharp
facial features, rare $197.; VF $77.; F $37.; VG $22.;
Multiple orders can be filled with different types as
available.

Christ in Electrum

Electrum (silver-gold alloy) scyphate (cup-shaped) nomisma

of Michael VII, 1071-1078 A.D. Obv.: Bust of Christ
wearing nimbus cruciger. Rev.: bust of Michael VII holding
labarum and globus cruciger. Constantinople mint. VF,
slight defects $247.; EF or better ............................ $327.

Gold bezant of the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem, circa

1187 to 1250 A.D. Obv. and Rev.: nonsense resembling
Islamic script, so illiterate locals would accept them.
Struck until the Pope prohibited these non-Christian
desig ns, which, if copi ed correctly, wou ld h ave
been praising Allah. Choice EF+ $397.; VF+ crudely
struck ...................................................................... $297.

Gold scyphate hyperpyron of John III of Nicaea. The royal

fami ly of the Byzantine E mpire moved to Nicaea
during the occupation of Constantinople by the Venetians.
Obv.: Christ enthroned. Rev.: John being crowned by the
Virgin Mary. EF+ $297.; EF $247.; VF, clipped or weak
strike ....................................................................... $197.

Crusader Knight Seal

Lead uniface seal of the French knight Edmund, son of

Radolfo, 1100-1275 A.D. Latin legend around fleur de lis.
Found at Crusader stronghold of Acre. VF, edge breaks
and split................................................................... $1277.

Terra cotta oil lamps from the Holyland. A ncient and

medieval. Usually brick red, beige, or black with very light
to very heavy dirt and encrustation. Usually 3 to 4 inches
long. Each ...............................................................

$37.

JONATHAN K. KERN

441 S. Ashland Ave., Lexington, Kentucky 40502

To order, call

(859 or 606) 269-1614

between 9 AM & 6 PM EST

Professional Numismatist · Bachelor of Arts in Numismatics

24-hour FAX only: (859 or 606) 266-7900

Email: JKernCoins@aol.com

AUTHENTICITY & SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

MAIL ORDER POLICIES

1. All coins guaranteed as described. ANA and common

sense grading. Your satisfaction guaranteed!

2. 14 day return privilege or approval service can be

arranged with proper references.

3. Personal checks of unknown customers must clear.

References may be required. VISA, MasterCard and
American Express accepted.

4. Kentucky residents add 6% sales tax.
5. All coins sent insured or registered! Orders less than

$200 please add $4.00 for postage and handling.

6. Most coins are one-of-a-kind. Second choices

appreciated.

7. Visits by appointment only.

COINS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY

100%

Terra cotta flask from the
Holyland. Probably 100 to
600 A.D. Stands 5 to 6
inches high ............. $67.

Similar oil lamps but decorated with
Christian symbolism, usually a cross, but
some have a fish, dove or Greek chi-rho.
Very Fine $97.; Fine ........................ $67.

$177.

BRONZE RINGS

Old bronze ring

decorated with

pentagram.

Wearable

$97.

Old bronze ring

decorated with

cross. Wearable

$127.

Please note that a specific grade of a coin may sell out. Please

give us direction for your 2nd or 3rd choices as substitutes.

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE.

The invaluable Guide to Biblical Coins by David Hendin,

the expanded third edition; with any order of $100 or
more. A must have reference ............................. $37.00

Handbook of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins

by Klawans. ........................................................ $10.77

Collecting Roman Coins by Kiely and Van Meter... $10.77

Ancient Coin Collecting Vol. I, II, III, IV

by Sayles ........................................................... $19.77

OLD BRONZE CROSSES

FROM THE BALKANS

c. 900-1700 A.D.

Usually 1 to 3" high, all these have

intact loops for easy wearing

$137.

$127.

$67.

$97.

$167.

$97.