Lot 1742
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (2.84 g), 132-135 CE. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). 'Simna' (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion between two pairs of dots at top and tendrils at bottom. Reverse: 'For the freedom of Jerusalem' (Paleo-Hebrew), fluted jug with handle on left; in right field, willow branch. Hendin 1422; Mildenberg 104 (O16/R55); TJC 283a. Undertype showing in areas. About Very Fine. Estimate Value $350 - 400
From the S. Moussaieff Collection.
The jug and willow branch reverse of this undated zuzim attributed to the third year of the Bar Kokhba War (as well as many other zuzim in this sale) are objects used in the water libation ceremony performed before the altar of the Jerusalem Temple during the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Since the Temple and its altar had been destroyed long before by Titus and the Roman legions in 70 CE, the reference to this ritual on the coins served as a rallying cry to remind the rebels of what had been lost to the Romans in the First Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE) and to inflame their desire to fight as the Romans returned to crush the new insurrection.
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| Realized $660 |
