Minted 134-135 A.D.

Obverse : Palm branch within a wreath , Hebrew inscription around “FOR THE FREEDOM OF JERUSALEM”.

Reverse: Kithara-lyre with three strings. Paleo-Hebrew inscription: "Shimon".

Minted during the third year of the Jewish revolt against Rome led by Shimon Bar-Kochba (c. 132-135 A.D.). Found in Hebron. In very good condition with natural patina.

19 mm diameter; 6.7 g

Custom olive wood box, shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority.

Bibliography:
David Hendin, “A Guide To Biblical Coins 5th Edition”, (Amphora Books, 2010), 490a.
Yaakov Meshorer, “Ancient Jewish Coinage Vol. II”, (New York: 1982)

********
After the first Jewish revolt against Rome that ended by the destruction of the second temple 70 CE, Shimon Bar- Kochba started another revolt against Rome (132-135 CE), as a declaration of independence Bar – Kochba issued significant Jewish coinage, up to our modern history this was the last time that Jewish people had the chance to mint coins with Hebrew inscription and Jewish symbols.
The leader of this Revolt (132-135 CE) was Shim’on Bar Koseba. He was known as Bar Kochba, meaning “Son of the Star,“ in reference to messianic expectations of the verse: “There shall step forth a star (kochab) out of Jacob“ (Numbers 24:17). Indeed, one of the greatest sages of the time - Rabbi Akiva - had proclaimed Bar Kochba as the messiah.
Many of the Temple instruments depicted on Jewish coins appeared during the Bar Kokhba War (also known as the Second Jewish Revolt). The Temple's destruction now lay 62 years in the past with the First Revolt, and Bar Kokhba's campaign revolved around the goal of rebuilding it and reinstating its rituals. The Temple images were intended to galvanize Jewish pride courage and resolution.Trumpets as well as lyres and other stringed instruments were played by the Levites to accompany occasions for jubilation and praise, such as the Hallel prayer. Coins depicting these instruments on one side would, on the reverse, be stamped with wreaths of olive, laurel or palm branches, or grapes. All of the symbols on these coins related to the festive celebrations of Sukkot, in which the Temple was central.

Antique Coins
Ancient coins