MINT ERROR -- Judaea, Pontius Pilate, Roman Prefect under Tiberius, 26 - 36 A.D.
Pontius Pilate is chiefly known for the part he played in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Scholars disagree on the date of this type, as they do on so many issues. The argument goes like this: If the "S" is actually a retrograde (backwards) "Z," the date is year 17 or 30 A.D. -- If the "S" is actually the Greek letter stigma, the date is year 16 or 29 A.D. -- If you're looking for scenes around the Life of Jesus, you couldn't get much closer than this.
Bronze prutah, Hendin 1342a, SGICV 5623, Fair, flip strike, 1.569g, 15.3mm, Caesarea mint, 29 or 30 A.D.; obverse TIBEPIOY KAICAPOC, lituus (pagan religious implement); reverse LI"V" (year 16 = 29 A.D.) or LIZ (Z retrograde year 17 = 30 A.D.) within wreath; flip strike - struck twice with the flan flipped over between strikes leaving elements of the obverse and reverse on BOTH SIDES.
A strong reading coin as well as a true MINT ERROR, a rarity and generally hard to prove in ancient coins. The fact that the double die strike is so visible makes this a VERY VERY RARE find.
$450.00
40596q00