Lot 94
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.02 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). 'Sma' (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), upright palm branch. (Mildenberg 14.1 (O4/R9; this coin); TJC 245; Hendin 1390). Extremely Rare - only two examples cited by Mildenberg, this being his no. 1 which was chosen to illustrate the dies. Mildenberg notes that the "completely straight palm branch on [the reverse] is unique throughout the coinage." Lightly toned. Superb extremely fine. Estimate $2,000UP
Purchased privately from Antiqua at the NYINC, January 2007.
This and the following two zuzim introduce a new reverse type to this silver series: a palm branch standing alone. This type may have been intended to reflect several levels of meaning. Not only could it be seen as a symbol of victory (a little premature as it turned out) for the rebel cause over the Romans, but also as a national symbol of Judaea and perhaps a reference to the Jewish religious festival of Tabernacles. This particular example is especially notable for its uniquely straight palm branch. As can be seen on the other specimens in this sale, the palm branch is typically depicted in a somewhat more naturalistic manner.
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| Realized $5,428 |
