Watch List notes:

AR Shekel Year 3 (68/9 AD), THE FIRST REVOLT 66–70 AD, JEWISH COINAGE Jerusalem. Chalice, date above. Rev. stem with three pomegranate fruits.Meshorer 154.Much of the history of the Jewish people is one of conquest and rebellion. In the early Roman Imperial period Judea was ruled by native kings who served as client-kings to the Roman Empire. However, their pro-Roman policies were often met with resistance by the local population. A total of three times did the Jewish people rebel against the Empire, but perhaps the most impactful of the three was the First Revolt of 66 to 73 AD. Dissatisfaction with high taxation increased tension between the Jews and the Roman governors which resulted in open revolt by 66. Nero responded by sending general Vespasian to quell the unrest.

After Nero's suicide in 68 and the subsequent deaths of his three successors Galba, Otho and Vitellius in 69 Vespasian was recalled to Rome to be crowned emperor. His son Titus was left in charge of the pacification of Judea, and in 70 he successfully besieged and took Jerusalem. The Second Temple was destroyed, its spoils were carried off and an estimate of 100.000 Jews were enslaved. The famous Arch of Titus, located next to the Colosseum, was erected in honor of his achievements in the war and has immortalized his deeds for eternity.
The specimen offered for sale is a silver Shekel struck in the third year of the rebellion. This denomination and its fractions were likely minted as a replacement for the more famous Shekels of Tyre to pay the Temple Tax. The year corresponds with late 68 and early 69 AD, in which civil wars ravaged the Empire. A highly important historical coin, scarce and in excellent condition.

Ex. Schulman Vault Collection.14.33 g. NGC AU★. Strike 5 out of 5; Surface 4 out of 5