A Thunderbolt and Laurel on a Herod Philip Coin

Abstract

A clear thunderbolt motif is newly described on an obverse die of a coin of Herod Philip (the
tetrarch). A thunderbolt with a laurel branch suggests a symbol of protection and honor toward
Tiberius and the deified Augustus. In addition, use of this die in four separate years of minting
may offer clues regarding the nature of minting in the ancient southern Levant.