Judaea, Yehud (Judah). Silver Gerah (0.51 g), before 333 BCE. Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right. Reverse: 'YHD', owl standing right, head facing; above to left, small lily. Hendin 1050; TJC 6a. Toned. Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $1,000 - 1,200
From the S. Moussaieff Collection.
A Judaean imitation of the internationally recognized types of Athenian coinage, but with the usual olive spray of the reverse converted into the lily symbol of Jerusalem. The inordinately large olive leaves on Athena's helmet foreshadow the crenellated crown of later issues featuring the head of the Persian Great King (or debased Athena?).