What do you do with the coins already minted from a previous ruler but not yet sent out into circulation? Why you just strike the new image right over them and then send them out for use – or so is the theory as to why this coin has the image of two different Hasmonaean styles dies on it.  The coin began as a coin of Alexander Yannai with a lily/anchor on it. Then it was overstruck with the wreath/cornucopia of Hyrcanus II.

The legends of Hyrcanus II on these coins will be more like earlier Hasmonaean coins with the use of a wreath with inscriptions along with the double cornucopia. This type coin would be a candidate for the Widow’s Mite as well as one of the types to be found on the moneychanger table.

Ruler: John Hyrcanus II

Date: 67, 63-40 BC

Denomination: Prutah

Obverse: Wreath

Reverse: Dbl Cornucopia

Reference: Hendin 478

Note: Overstruck on Hendin 467