Judea (Ancient)
Bar Kokhba Revolt, Year One, 132-135 CE, AE Middle Bronze 24 mm (6.06 g). Year 1 (132/3 CE). 'Simon Prince of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), Palm branch within wreath. Reverse: Wide lyre with four strings. Hendin 1377; Treasury 2230; Mild. 22 (O1/R3) The only example cited, this coin. This variety is the rarest and best style of the Middle Bronzes. Natural reddish-brown with some greenish highlights. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $1,500
The reverse type middle bronze of the first year (132/3 CE) 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."
Ex Kunker 334, 2381, Samel Coll.