This coin was minted by Pontius Pilate in 31AD as the coin is dated LIH on the reverse side within the wreath.  (Note, the date is hard to read, but as these coins were minted only over 2 years, the date is not LIZ, but looks to be LIH).  Based upon the year that Christ was born (many believe he was born in 3BC) many persons believe that this coin was minted in the year following Christ's crucifixion.   Thus, this coin is often called a "crucifixion coin" since it was minted by the ruler who authorized Christ's crucifixion on the year and year following Christ's crucifixion.

The coin has natural patina with clear contrast to the images.   

The coin depicts a lituus, which is a wooden staff on one side of the coin and a wreath on the reverse.  Legend records that Romulus used it at the time of Rome's foundation in 753 B.C. It is interesting to note that the cross used in present times is the direct descendant of the lituus.  Pilate 's coinage is exceptional in that it alone displays the lituus as the sole object illustrated on the face, and was the coin being minted at the time of Christ's crucifixion.