The New York Sale
Auction 39 10 January 2017
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ANCIENT JEWISH COINS, BAR KOKHBA, Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.40 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). 'Simon' (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion at top and tendrils at bottom. Rev. 'Year two of the freedom of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), elongated lyre with three strings. (Mildenberg 57 (O14/R27); TJC 241a; Hendin 1403). Delicately toned. Superb extremely fine.
Purchased privately from Superior at the NYINC, December 1989.
This zuz of the second year (133/4 CE) of the Bar Kochba War features a wreathed paleo-Hebrew legend naming Simon [bar Kochba] on the obverse and a palm branch on the reverse. This type combination was probably meant to simultaneously advertise the hoped for victory over the Romans that was gradually slipping away while shoring up Simon bar Kochba's legitimacy. Similar wreathed inscriptions and palm branches had previously graced the coins of the Hasmonaean High Priest John Hyrcanus I (14-104 BCE) after he claimed autonomy from the Seleukid kingdom.
Estimate: $ 1,000
Purchased privately from Superior at the NYINC, December 1989.
This zuz of the second year (133/4 CE) of the Bar Kochba War features a wreathed paleo-Hebrew legend naming Simon [bar Kochba] on the obverse and a palm branch on the reverse. This type combination was probably meant to simultaneously advertise the hoped for victory over the Romans that was gradually slipping away while shoring up Simon bar Kochba's legitimacy. Similar wreathed inscriptions and palm branches had previously graced the coins of the Hasmonaean High Priest John Hyrcanus I (14-104 BCE) after he claimed autonomy from the Seleukid kingdom.
Estimate: $ 1,000