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JUDAEA, Jewish War. 66-70 CE. AR Shekel (22mm, 13.76 g, 11h). Jerusalem mint. Dated year 1 (66/7 CE). Omer cup; “1” (date, in Hebrew) above, pellets flanking; “Shekel of Israel” (in Hebrew) around / Sprig of three pomegranates; “Jerusalem [the] holy” (in Hebrew) around. Deutsch 31 (O8/R25); Kadman 2; Hendin 6383; Meshorer 184a; Bromberg 59 and 370–2 (same obv. die); Meshorer, Masada 1311 (same obv. die); Sofaer 2 (same obv. die); Spaer 163 (same obv. die). Toned, minor die wear, small chip at edge on reverse. Good VF.
Struck during the Jewish War against Rome, which lasted for at least part of five calendar years, these silver Shekels demonstrate a separation from Roman authority. Unlike Roman coins, they bore no human portrait, in order to keep the commandment that “thou shalt not make a graven image.” Legends were written in the language of Jews, Hebrew; the lettering, however, is an archaic form known as “proto-Hebrew,” a form close to the Phoenician script from which it derived. Important religious imagery was the central design on either side; namely, the Omer cup, which held the “first fruits,” the measure of barley during Passover, and the sprig of three pomegranates, used as decoration on many religiously significant items.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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