Lot 92
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (2.63 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). 'Sma', abbreviating Simon (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion at top and tendrils at bottom. Rev. 'Year two of the freedom of Israel' (Paleo-Hebrew), wide lyre with three strings and four dots on sound box. (Mildenberg 13 (O4/R7); TJC 238; Hendin 1389). Well struck and perfectly centered. Toned. Extremely fine. Estimate $3,000UP
Purchased privately from D. Hendin, October 1993.
This and the following zuz of the second year (133/4 CE) of the Bar Kochba War reflect interesting iconographic and political devel-opments as the threat of a massive Roman invasion of Judaea loomed. The wreathed paleo-Hebrew legend type naming Simon bar Kochba has evolved from the preceding large bronzes of the first year (132/3 CE), which is notable because the zuzim of that year originally carried the name of Eleazar whom Simon may have killed in a fit of rage at his betrayal. The musical instrument on the reverse, probably the kinnor used in the Temple, also appeared previously on medium bronzes of the first year. It is unclear why these particular bronze-inspired types were employed for silver zuzim in the second year when they were still in use for large and medium bronze denominations, respectively.
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| Realized $6,490 |
