Lot 2070
Judaea, The Jewish War. Silver Shekel (14.30 g), 66-70 CE. Jerusalem, year 2 (67/8 CE). 'Shekel of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), ritual chalice with pearled rim, the base raised by projections on both ends; above, 'year 2'. Reverse: 'Jerusalem the holy' (Paleo-Hebrew), staff with three pomegranate buds, round base. Hendin 1358; TJC 193. Boldly struck with delicate iridescent tone. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $7,000 - 8,000
A Connoisseur's Collection of Ancient Jewish Coins; Ex Sternberg XXVI (16 November 1992), 146.
The second year of the Jewish War against Rome (April 67-March 68 CE) saw the Zealot-led rebellion in the Galilee crushed by the forces of Vespasian, soon to become the imperial successor of Nero. During this campaign, the future historian Josephus was famously placed in command of the fortress at Gamla. When it was clear that all was lost, the leadership agreed not to surrender to the Romans, choosing instead to die by killing one other by lot. When all were dead but Josephus and one other man, they both fearing death, surrendered to the Romans. Thanks to this, Josephus lived on for many years, writing his account of the war responsible for coins like this shekel.
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| Realized $8,813 |
