Lot 2941
Judea. Bar Kochba Revolt, 132-135 AD. AE Large Bronze (34 mm.), Year 1, struck 132/133 AD. . Hen-677. Very rare. Hebrew inscription in three lines ("Simon Prince of Israel"), within wreath; below, rectangular incuse counterstamp, with AΔ within. Reverse: Amphora with two handles; Hebrew inscription around ("Year one of the redemption of Israel"). Hendin 677; Meshorer 3b; Mildenberger 1; for counterstamp, cf. Howgego 51, "Hadrian." Note a counterstamped Middle Bronze in Rosenberger IV, p. 82, no. 24. Pleasant dark brown-green patina with reddish-ocher highlights. Typical soft strike, although the counterstamping process may have added to the flatness. Pleasing, and nearly Very Fine.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
This is a most unusual variety to an already rare series -- in fact this being the first countermarked large Bar Kochba bronze that we've handled. The counterstamp would indicate that it was applied under the authority of Hadrian's administration, yet by its appearance the coin would seem to have endured an excessive amount of wear within a six year period. Although the striking of these coins can be notoriously uneven, perhaps, though, the coin was flattened or hammered to some extant in an attempt to deface it prior to being counterstamped. In any event, it remains a provocative item from this contentious era of Roman and Judaean history.
|
| |
| Unsold |
