Lot 115
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (2.97 g), 132-135 CE. Irregular issue. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE). 'Sim' (Paleo-Hebrew; retrograde and inverted) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds. Reverse: 'For the freedom of Jerusalem' (Paleo-Hebrew), elongated lyre with three strings. Hendin -, but cf. 1429 for the regular issue; TJC 273; Mildenberg 241 (O38/R158, only 4 cited); Extremely Rare Overstruck on a drachm of Trajan. Toned Choice Very Fine. Value $1,500 - UP
This coin was struck at a secondary mint rather than the main Bar Kokhba mint facility. The irregular mint's overstruck circulating coins in the same way as the primary mint. However, it issued many fewer coins. While their production values are about the same quality, they were struck from drastically inferior dies that often look almost like caricatures of the originals. While Bar Kokhba coins depict incomplete legends or abbreviations, the irregular coins have drastically crude, incomplete, or retrograde inscriptions due to the inexperienced workers who created the dies. The dies from the regular issue Bar Kokhba coins are never struck in combination with coins of the irregular facility (or facilities).
Ex Mel Wacks Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $3,360 |
