given in section 18, is from a very fine example in the collection of the Bibliothèque du Roi at Paris. The descriptions of the coins have been given in as popular a form as the nature of the subject would admit, for which some apology may be deemed due to the practical numismatist, to of the types and legends are whom many familiar. A List of the Engravings is appended, with references to the collections from which the coins have been selected. JOHN YONGE AKERMAN. Lewisham, Kent, MANY ancient coins, both Greek and Roman, so strikingly illustrate the historical, or narrative portions of the New Testament, that it is surprising no detailed notice of these interesting and significant monuments has been undertaken by some practical hand. It is true that commentaries have been written by the learned, and an occasional coin has been intercalated in their text by way of illustration, but, with scarcely an exception, they have been carelessly copied from some already very imperfect engraving, although the originals exist in many public and private cabinets. The most impudent forgeries have also found a place among these illustrations. It is with no desire to disparage the labours of those who have attempted to avail themselves of the evidence to be derived from numismatic sources, that this deficiency is noticed, but simply to guard the inexperienced from being misled by representations which cannot be relied upon. With infinite disgust we have often discovered, in the cabinets of collectors of coins, specimens highly prized by the possessors as illustrative of Jewish history, which the slightest acquaintance with ancient art would have enabled B them, at a glance, to pronounce forgeries of the most clumsy description. But the blind zeal of some commentators is a more serious stumbling-block in the pathway of the student. Writers have been found indiscreet enough, not only to cite false coins as illustrating their theme, but also to publish explanations opposed to sound numismatic interpretation, at utter variance with the truth, and calculated to do much permanent injury to the cause they undertake to advocate. The aim of the writer, in the following pages, is not to prove the truth of divine revelation by an appeal to ancient monuments, however striking and significant. He indulges no hope of reclaiming one erring doubter by the production of such representations, however vivid and curious. Among those who are of that creed, which teaches them to receive the words of eternal truth with child-like simplicity, they may merely interest or amuse, but they cannot fail to shew to all, that the inspired penmen of the New Testament Scriptures wrote of the times in which they or their immediate predecessors lived, agreeing "not only in articles of public history, but sometimes in minute, recondite, and very peculiar circumstances, in which, of all others, a forger is most likely to have been found tripping." The following descriptions were originally written and mingled with other foot-notes of an historical character for an edition of the New Testament, but the printing of the entire text being found too expensive, the design has been abandoned, and the numismatic illustrations are here given by themselves. 1 Paley. Evidences, part ii. ch. vi. §1.-COINS OF HEROD THE GREAT AND ARCHELAUS. THE following coins are classed to this prince by Mion R.-EONAPXOY. A helmet, with cheek-pieces: on one side a small caduceus. (Liebe, p. 139.) Æ3. R.4. 2. Obv.-HPQAOY. A bunch of grapes. R. CONAPXOY. A helmet, as on No. 1.; on one side, a small caduceus. E.3. R.4. 3. Obv.-HPQAOY. A bunch of grapes. R.-ΕΘΝΑΡΧΟΥ. A caduceus. Cabinet.) E.3. R.5. 4. Obv.-BALIA. HPW. An anchor. (From the Chamillard R.-No legend. Two cornucopiæ and a caduceus, crossed saltier wise. Æ.3. 5. Obv.-The Macedonian shield. R.4. Κ.ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΗΡΩΔΟΥ. A helmet, with cheek pieces; in the field, EI (year) 15. Æ.5. 6. Obv.—Another, without date. Æ.5. R.4. 7. Obv.—A helmet; on one side, a palm branch. R.5. Κ.ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΗΡΩΔΟΥ. An altar, with the fire kindled; in the field, L. F' (year 3 of Herod's reign), and a monogram. Æ.6. R 4. 8. Obv. Another, similar. Æ.6. R.4. The coin engraved above appears to be a variety of the last number. The altar, if such is the object intended |