Lot 3063
AR Half Shekel (6.62g) dated year 2 (AD 67/8). Temple vessel with nine pearls across the rim; above, date. Reverse: Stem with three pomegranate fruits. Cf. NLJ 85 (same obverse die). Mesh1 152. H-660. Nicely toned in tones of yellow, ochre and blue. Very Fine.
As evidenced by the die-breaks, we have here an earlier striking of this obverse die, and yet the coin shows more die rusting around some of the inscription. Dies were normally "improved" as time went on, and the lower die (obverse), being more protected, could be used for a much longer period. During the Bar Kokhba War, for instance, one obverse die (Mildenberg 14) was used for at least two years, having been paired with a remarkable 29 different reverse dies!
Estimated Value $750 - 900.
|
| |
| Realized $1,208 |
