Lilly // BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY EYEΡΓETOY, anchor, [date AΠΡ below]. Jerusalem mint. 15mm, 2.74 grams. Hendin 451. 

Struck as a transitional issue at the mint of Jerusalem early in the reign of Hyrcanus. 
Date is off-flan, but these date to 182 SE (132/131 BC).

John Hyrcanus (reigned c. 134–104 BC) was a powerful ruler of the Hasmonean dynasty who greatly expanded the Jewish state during the Hellenistic period. The son of Simon Thassi, he became high priest and political leader after his father’s assassination and successfully defended Judaea against the Seleucid Empire. John Hyrcanus conquered neighboring territories including Idumea and Samaria, enlarged the kingdom, and strengthened Jerusalem politically and economically. Although originally aligned with the Pharisees, he later supported the Sadducees, contributing to growing religious and political divisions within Jewish society. His reign marked the transformation of Judaea into a significant independent regional power before the Roman conquest.