

















Valerius Gratus, Roman Prefect Of Judaea Prutah (about 1,995-2,010 years ago)
This small bronze coin was issued under the authority of Valerius Gratus during his tenure as Roman prefect of Judaea province under Emperor Tiberius. These modest coins would have circulated throughout Judaea for everyday transactions during this historically significant period, which overlapped with the early ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a palm branch, likely with an inscription referencing Emperor Tiberius or the year of his reign
Back side: Displays a wreath, possibly with additional inscriptions identifying the coin's origin
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (small bronze coin for everyday transactions)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted between 15-26 CE during Gratus' prefecture
Condition: Housed in NGC slab, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin represents Roman provincial administration during a pivotal period in Judaean history. Valerius Gratus served as prefect for eleven years, an unusually long tenure that brought relative stability to the region. He is historically significant for frequently changing the Jewish high priesthood, eventually appointing Joseph Caiaphas who would later play a role in the trial of Jesus according to the New Testament accounts. Gratus' governance occurred during the early years of Jesus' life and ministry, connecting this humble coin to one of history's most influential religious movements.
This small bronze coin was issued under the authority of Valerius Gratus during his tenure as Roman prefect of Judaea province under Emperor Tiberius. These modest coins would have circulated throughout Judaea for everyday transactions during this historically significant period, which overlapped with the early ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a palm branch, likely with an inscription referencing Emperor Tiberius or the year of his reign
Back side: Displays a wreath, possibly with additional inscriptions identifying the coin's origin
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (small bronze coin for everyday transactions)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted between 15-26 CE during Gratus' prefecture
Condition: Housed in NGC slab, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin represents Roman provincial administration during a pivotal period in Judaean history. Valerius Gratus served as prefect for eleven years, an unusually long tenure that brought relative stability to the region. He is historically significant for frequently changing the Jewish high priesthood, eventually appointing Joseph Caiaphas who would later play a role in the trial of Jesus according to the New Testament accounts. Gratus' governance occurred during the early years of Jesus' life and ministry, connecting this humble coin to one of history's most influential religious movements.
This small bronze coin was issued under the authority of Valerius Gratus during his tenure as Roman prefect of Judaea province under Emperor Tiberius. These modest coins would have circulated throughout Judaea for everyday transactions during this historically significant period, which overlapped with the early ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.
Coin Description:
Front side: Features a palm branch, likely with an inscription referencing Emperor Tiberius or the year of his reign
Back side: Displays a wreath, possibly with additional inscriptions identifying the coin's origin
Technical Details:
Bronze composition
Prutah denomination (small bronze coin for everyday transactions)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted between 15-26 CE during Gratus' prefecture
Condition: Housed in NGC slab, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin represents Roman provincial administration during a pivotal period in Judaean history. Valerius Gratus served as prefect for eleven years, an unusually long tenure that brought relative stability to the region. He is historically significant for frequently changing the Jewish high priesthood, eventually appointing Joseph Caiaphas who would later play a role in the trial of Jesus according to the New Testament accounts. Gratus' governance occurred during the early years of Jesus' life and ministry, connecting this humble coin to one of history's most influential religious movements.
Valerius Gratus was the 4th Roman Prefect of Judaea province under Tiberius from 15 to 26 AD.
He succeeded Annius Rufus in 15 and was replaced by Pontius Pilate in 26. The government of Gratus is chiefly remarkable for the frequent changes he made in the appointment of the high-priesthood. He deposed Ananus, and substituted Ishmael ben Fabus, then Eleazar, son of Arianus, then Simon, son of Camith, and lastly Joseph Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Ananus.[1]
In the book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ and its derived films, Gratus is almost killed by a roof tile which accidentally falls from the home of Judah Ben-Hur, which prompts all subsequent events of the story. In the novel, Gratus is portrayed as a corrupt governor who acted against the Jews by removing the rightful head priest of the Temple, Hannas, and replacing him with a Roman puppet, Ishmael.