Image Details

G. A bronze prutah struck by the Hasmonaean ruler, Alexander Jannaeus (in Hebrew, Yannai) (103–76 B.C.). On the left is an anchor encircled by the Greek inscription, “Alexander the King”; on the right is a lily flower, the traditional Jewish symbol of Jerusalem and an inscription in old-Hebrew script, “Jonathan the King.” Alexander Jannaeus was the only Hasmonaean ruler to call himself king in his Hebrew legend; all others used the term high priest.