The New York Sale
Auction 42 9 Jan 2018
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Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Æ Medium Bronze (10.33 g), 132-135 CE. Year 1 (132/3 CE). 'Simon, Prince of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), palm branch within wreath. rev. 'Year one of the redemption of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), wide lyre with five strings. Hendin 1377; Mildenberg 26 (O1/R7); TJC 223. Dark earthen patina. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
The reverse type of this middle bronze denomination of the first year of the Bar Kokhba War is commonly identified as a nevel, a stringed instrument thought to have been similar to the Greek chelys. Although the kinnor - a related instrument similar to the Greek kithara - was prescribed as an instrument to be played in the Jerusalem Temple, the nevel had an even more important status in some rabbinical Jewish traditions. It was said that the world was actually sung into existence to the accompaniment of a perfect 22-stringed nevel. The reverberating notes of these strings subsequently became the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Considering the messianic flavor of the Bar Kokhba revolt one wonders whether the nevel type alludes to a new creation for Judaea free from Roman oppression. The palm branch on the obverse may perhaps celebrate the early victories of the Bar Kokhba rebels during "year one of the redemption of Israel."
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
The reverse type of this middle bronze denomination of the first year of the Bar Kokhba War is commonly identified as a nevel, a stringed instrument thought to have been similar to the Greek chelys. Although the kinnor - a related instrument similar to the Greek kithara - was prescribed as an instrument to be played in the Jerusalem Temple, the nevel had an even more important status in some rabbinical Jewish traditions. It was said that the world was actually sung into existence to the accompaniment of a perfect 22-stringed nevel. The reverberating notes of these strings subsequently became the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Considering the messianic flavor of the Bar Kokhba revolt one wonders whether the nevel type alludes to a new creation for Judaea free from Roman oppression. The palm branch on the obverse may perhaps celebrate the early victories of the Bar Kokhba rebels during "year one of the redemption of Israel."