Artifact
Pontius Pilate — AE Prutah
29/30 AD (RY16 of Tiberius) · Bronze, 1.79g, 16mm · Hendin 6370
Authentic ancient coin
MATTHEW 27:24
“I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your responsibility!”
Pilate served as Prefect of Judaea from 26 to 36 AD. This coin was minted in 29/30 AD — the precise year of the Passion. The obverse bears a simpulum (Roman libation ladle) and the reverse three bound ears of grain: both deliberately provocative pagan symbols on Jewish coinage. For decades some scholars questioned whether Pilate was a historical figure. In 1961, an inscribed limestone block bearing his name and title was discovered at Caesarea Maritima. It is now in the Israel Museum. This coin existed before that discovery. It was evidence all along.
