Judaea, The Jewish War. Æ Prutah (2.61 g), 66-70 CE. Jerusalem, year 2 (67/8 CE). 'Year two' (Paleo-Hebrew), amphora with broad rim and two handles. Rev. 'The freedom of Zion' (Paleo-Hebrew), vine leaf on small branch with tendril. Hendin 1360; TJC 196. Dark green patina. Exceptional. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $250 - UP
From the Palm Desert Collection. Purchased from Superior in the 1970s or 1980s.
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.