Judea (Ancient)
Judaea, The Jewish War. Silver ½ Shekel (6.91 g), 66-70 CE. Jerusalem, year 2 (67/8) CE. 'Half of a shekel' (Paleo-Hebrew, ritual chalice with wide, smooth rim, pellet on either side, and flat base with pearled ends; above, 'Year 2'. Reverse: Jerusalem (the) holy' (Paleo-Hebrew), staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1359; TJC 195; Deutsch 20 (only 1 example cited). Boldly struck and lightly toned. Excellent metal. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $7,500
The dramatic first year (May 66-March 67 CE) of the Jewish War against Rome gave some hope that the Jewish rebels might actually win their independence. Late in 66 CE they defeated the XII Legion commanded by the Roman procurator Cestius Gallus. Some of the silver coinage struck in this year may perhaps have been produced from the booty carried off by the victorious Jews in this confrontation. Unfortunately, this Roman defeat led to Vespasian's transfer to the theater of conflict and the eventual quashing of the revolt in the Galiee.
Ex Nomos 3, Dec. 5, 2011, lot 151.