The coins minted by the Chashmanoim depict three pomegranates. Some say that this is somehow related to the Kohen gadol. Is this accurate? Please explain the significance of this symbol.
Zalman Kotzen, Lakewood
The Kohen Gadol wore a special garment known as a Me'il. The Me'il was adorned with decorative items at its base, including bells and pomegranate shapes. The bells would ring as the Kohen Gadol moved around. Since the Chashmona'im were descended from high priests (and some became high priests themselves) this might be the reason for the pomegranates.
However, pomegranates also represented fertility in ancient sources, as they have numerous seeds and therefore were used as a symbol for success and bounty. Thus they are found on other ancient coins, including one from the time of the Jewish revolt after the time of the Chashmona'im (66-67 C.E.). So it is unclear whether the Chashmona'im's coins really refer to Kohanim.
Yoel Domb
Thank you. Someone suggests it could be the matte of Aaron. There are 3 pomegranates growing from a stick depicted on the coins. Could they be shekeidim rather than pomegranates?
When you take a close look at the coin, it is hard to see it as a stick with flowers growing around it. There are two sides extending outwards and a fruit which resembles a pomegranate appears between them, and this would conceivably represent what I suggested above. It is also one of the fruits which represents the land of Israel, so it would naturally be used as a symbol. Some Perutah coins from the period have an ear of barley instead of a pomegranate, which corresponds to what Chazal say, that a Perutah is half a barley of silver.
Yoel Domb