Judaea, The Jewish War. Æ Prutah (3.16 g), 66-70 CE. Jerusalem, year 2 (67/8 CE). 'Year two' (Paleo-Hebrew), amphora with broad rim and two handles. Reverse: 'The freedom of Zion' (Paleo-Hebrew), vine leaf on small branch with tendril. Hendin 6389; TJC 196. Brown patina. A common coin but in uncommonly choice condition! Needle sharp and probably the finest we have handled. Mint State. Estimated Value $500 - UP
Although struck by the Jewish rebels against Rome, the the prutot of the Jewish War take much of their typological inspiration from the earlier coinages struck for Judaea by the Roman praetorial government. The amphora and vine leaf types come very close to those used for an issue of Valerius Gratus in 17/8 CE.
Ex Tareq Hani Collection.