I have two coins of Pontius Pilate in my collection, from the time of the crucifixion of Christ, shown above. The top coin in the image above is from 29AD and measures 16 mm in diameter. It shows three ears of barley and the obverse has the image of a Roman simpulum / ladle on it (See image below). It was used at sacrifices to make libations (a drink offering to a pagan Roman god) and to taste the wines and other liquors witch were poured on the heads of sacrifices. The coin below it, from 30AD, shows a lituus (a carved wand used by Roman priests ) These images would have been very offensive to the Jews. The reverse (not shown) is of a wreath.
An amazing archaeological discovery was found 1961 in Caesarea Maritima in Israel - A damaged block of limestone dated 26-37AD and on it were the words "Pontius Pilate prefect of Judea.
Pontius Pilate was the Governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. Pilate had admitted that Jesus was innocent, he said "I find no fault in him" (John 19v4). He then asked the crowd, "What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ? They all said unto him, Let him be crucified" (Matthew 27v22). He then sentenced Jesus to be crucified. A way of punishment unknown until the Romans, but 1000 years earlier the Bible predicted it - "They pierced my hands and my feet" Psalm 22v16
What will you do with Jesus who is called Christ? Will you cry out like the mob, "Away with him", or will you repent and believe/trust in him as your saviour? "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." 1st Corinthians 15v3-4.
Philip Bliss wrote the hymn Man of Sorrows - " Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood ,sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a saviour!”
Pilate was a real person. He lived, as the Bible and these coins testify to. Pilate later died, but Jesus is alive!