If you just read only the works of the Jewish historian Josephus you would think his name is Archelaus but his coins tell a different story. The coins contain the phrase “Of Herod the Ethnarch.”  So he is truly named Herod Archelaus and like his brothers, was given the authority to mint coins – but only bronze coins that would be used locally. These coins were minted in Jerusalem and there was already a well organized mint set up by Herod the Great, his father. This particular coin will differ in design from all his others. The design of the vine with grapes may have been influenced by a similar grape/vine design found in the sanctuary of Temple in Jerusalem done in gold.  This coin would be another Widow’s Mite possiblity as well as a coin that would be found on the moneychangers table.

Ruler: Herod Archelaus

Date: 4 BC – 6 AD

Denomination: Prutah

Obverse: Grapes/Vine

Reverse: Helmet

Reference: Hendin 505