We observed in my previous post that a reed placed on a coin of Herod Antipas was symbolic of a new city being founded, namely the city of Tiberias.  This connection of a reed and a new city is not new. There was the Jewish story of the Angel Gabriel placing a reed into the sea and around this reed a great sandbar built up and on this was built the city of Rome.  In this coin we see a more mature palm branch and not just a reed, just as plants mature so has the city of Tiberius and this coin celebrates that fact.  This particular coin is dated 33/34 AD but there were earlier similar editions in 29 AD and 30AD which could be the Widow’s Mite because they were also issued in quarter unit sizes that are similar in size/weight to the prutah. These coins were also common enough to be found on the moneychangers table.

Ruler: Herod Antipas

Date: 33/34 AD

Denomination: Half Unit

Obverse: Branch

Reverse: Wreath

Reference: H.521