Hasmonean Coinage

Hasmonean coinage are the coins minted by the Hasmonean kings. Only bronze coins in various denominations have been found; the smallest being a prutah or a half prutah. Two Roman silver denarii are associated with the Hashmoneans; one has the inscription "BACCIUS JUDAEAS"; with its exact meaning unclear. Both show a man thought to be Yehuda Aristobolus bowing before a camel with a palm branch in his hand.

The Hebrew inscriptions found on Hasmonean coins are:

• "Yehochanan Kohen Gadol Chever Hayehudim" (Yehochanan the High Priest, Council of the Jews).
• "Yehochanan Kohen Gadol Rosh Chever Hayehudim" (Yehochanan the High Priest, Head of the Council of the Jews).
• "Yehonatan Kohen Gadol Chever Hayehudim" (Yehonatan the High Priest, Council of the Jews).
• "Yehonatan Hamelech" (Yehonatan the King).
• "Yehudah Kohen Gadol Chever Hayehudim" (Yehudah the High Priest, Council of the Jews).
• "Malka Aleksandros" (King Alexander)
• "Matisyahu Kohen Gadol Chever Hayehudim" (Matisyahu the High Priest, Council of the Jews).
• "Matisyahu HaKohen" (Matisyahu the High Priest).
• "Mattityah"