An Interdisciplinary Study of the "A" Coins of Yehochanan

Abstract

John F. Brug investigates the enigmatic “A” coins attributed to Yehochanan, a Hasmonean high priest, aiming to determine whether they belong to Hyrcanus I or Hyrcanus II. He evaluates historical, epigraphic, numismatic, and metallurgical evidence, considering theories that the “A” stands for Alexandra, Antipater, or a date. Brug finds stronger contextual support for Hyrcanus II, especially due to connections with Alexandra, his mother and de facto ruler. He critiques the reliability of hoard data, stratified finds, and metal composition analysis, noting methodological limitations. Epigraphic comparisons suggest stylistic differences between “A” coins and other Yehochanan issues, possibly indicating different reigns. While the mystery remains unresolved, Brug concludes that the Alexandra hypothesis is most plausible. He emphasizes that the value of such studies lies not only in solving historical puzzles but in refining interdisciplinary research methods in biblical numismatics. Generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).