Lot 2625
AR Denar (3.39g) attributed to year 3 (134/5 C.E.). . Hen-717. . AJC 66b. Mild 73 [19 examples cited]. Inscription within wreath. Reverse: One-handled jug right with palm branch to right. Superb Extremely Fine.
In 1984, when Leo Mildenberg's corpus on the Bar Kohkba coinage was published, there were a few more than 4000 denars known of all years and varieties. In the ensuing 23 years, this cataloguer would estimate that another 1500 or so have been unearthed. If we add another 10 or 11 coins to the total number Dr. Mildenberg enumerated for these dies, we have in this offering a superlative coin, certainly one of the finest existing from this scarce die pairing, estimated at much less than $1000. In addition, it is of silver, nearly 1900 years old and of great significance to Biblical and Jewish coin collectors. In order to find another such underrated area of numismatics to collect, I believe one would have to embark on a very esoteric topic, and end up with coins which are not as beautiful and historically meaningful. A relatively small number of new collectors could well change the market. Many believe ancient Jewish coinage is an area ripe for expansion and higher valuations.
Estimated Value $575 - 775.
|
| |
| Realized $720 |
