Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.39 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). 'Sm' (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion at top and tendrils at bottom. Reverse: 'Year two of the freedom of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), wide lyre with three strings and four dots on sound box. Hendin 1389; Mildenberg 15 (O3/R10); TJC 238. Well struck and bold. Uniform light grey tone. Overstruck on a drachm of Trajan. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500 - UP
This zuz of the second year of the Bar Kokhba War reflects interesting iconographic and political developments as the threat of a massive Roman invasion of Judaea loomed. The wreathed paleo-Hebrew legend type naming Simon bar Kokhba has evolved from the preceding large bronzes of the first year, which is notable because the zuzim of that year originally carried the name of Eleazar whom Simon may have killed in a fit of rage at his betrayal. The musical instrument on the reverse, probably the kinnor used in the Temple, also appeared previously on medium bronzes of the first year. It is unclear why these particular bronze-inspired types were employed for silver zuzim in the second year when they were still in use for large and medium bronze denominations, respectively.