Ancients
JUDAEA. The Jewish War (AD 66-70). AR shekel (22mm, 14.23 gm, 12h). NGC MS★ 5/5 - 5/5. Jerusalem, dated Year 3 (AD 68/9). Shekel of Israel (Paleo-Hebrew), ritual chalice with pearled rim, the base resting on raised projections; Year 3 above / Jerusalem the holy (Paleo-Hebrew), staff with three pomegranate buds, globular base. Hendin 1361. Stunning rainbow toning on pristine surfaces. Exceptionally nice for the issue.
In AD 66, the people of Jerusalem rose up in revolt against the oppressive Roman occupation. The rebellion spread quickly throughout Judaea, and thousands of Romans were either massacred or forced to flee. The leaders of the revolt declared Israel an independent nation and, for the first time in Jewish history, began striking coins in silver. These coins were mainly shekels of about 13-14 grams weight, along with half-shekels weighing 6.8 grams, and a tiny handful of silver quarter-shekels. The mint was likely located within the Temple complex and the silver provided by the stockpiles of Tyrian shekels kept in the treasury. Mintage was carefully controlled for weight, fineness and and the political slogans each coin carried.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/judaea/ancients-judaea-the-jewish-war-ad-66-70-ar-shekel-22mm-1423-gm-12h-ngc-msand-9733-5-5-5-5/a/3089-31046.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
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Estimate: 7000-10000 USD