Denomination: Bronze Prutah Date: 132 - 130 BC

Description: Lily/ Anchor

HISTORY:

Jerusalem bronze Prutah, 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. The coin itself is a fascinating political document. Antiochus VII respected Jewish feelings by not depicting his portrait on the coin.

Furthermore, the reverse side shows a lily, one of the symbols of Jerusalem. This lily was prominent in the Temple of Solomon decorating the capitals of Joachin and Boaz the two columns that stood at the entrance.

Why was the anchor a popular symbol? It was a well known symbol and decorative motif all over the Eastern Mediterranean. By the nature of things anchor will both familiar and important in a coastal region.
The anchor as an image recalls the hope in salvation, as stated in Hebrews 6:19, "which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enter within the veil".