Yehudah Aristobulus Die Study Reveals Hasmonean Mint Chronology and Supports Josephus’ Narrative

Abstract

Yehudah is the rarest name to appear on Hasmonean fiduciary bronze coinage. A die study of
coins bearing his name was undertaken in order to determine the identity of this Yehudah, the
chronology of his coins and the seriation of the names of the Hasmonean rulers appearing on
coins both before and after his rule. The results of this study impact upon the current assumptions
of Hasmonean coin chronology, the economy under Yehudah and the credibility of Josephus’
history regarding of his reign.