Judaea, First Jewish War, AE 1/8 Shekel, Jerusalem Mint, Year 4 = 69/70 AD, Omer Cup / Lulav – RR

$950.00

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SKU: G6.26 Categories: ,

Description

Greek,  Judaea, First Jewish War, 66-70 AD, AE 1/8 Shekel (bronze, 6.3g, 20.2mm), Jerusalem Mint, Year 4 = 69/70 AD
Obv:  ‘for the redemption of Zion’ (in Hebrew) Omer cup, chalice with pearled rim
Rev:  ‘year four’ (in Hebrew) Lulav bunch flanked by etrogs
Ref: Sofaer 44-49; Hendin 6398 Rarity/Choice: Scarce, Good VF (this specimen displays signs of corrosion, likely due to natural oxidation or chemical reactions. However, it retains a unique and aesthetically appealing identity. Its patina exhibits a distinctive red wine coloring, transitioning between red and brown, with beautifully preserved details)
Note: This AE 1/8 Shekel is minted in Jerusalem during the First Jewish War in Year 4, which corresponds to 69/70 AD, and provides significant insights into the turbulent period leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple. The inscription on the obverse, “for the redemption of Zion” in Hebrew, reflects the Jewish aspiration for the liberation of Jerusalem and the restoration of their homeland. The depiction of an omer cup, a chalice with a pearled rim symbolizes the religious and spiritual significance of Jerusalem, as well as the desire for the fulfillment of Jewish religious practices, including offerings at the Temple. On the reverse, the inscription “year four” in Hebrew indicates the coin’s minting date, aligning with the fourth year of the Jewish Revolt against Roman rule. The imagery of a lulav bunch flanked by etrogs represents the traditional symbols used during the Jewish festival of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). The lulav consists of palm, myrtle, and willow branches bound together, while the etrog is a citrus fruit. These symbols have religious significance, representing unity, joy, and the harvest festival. This coin serves as a poignant reminder of the Jewish people’s struggle for independence and religious freedom during the First Jewish War. It reflects their hopes for the redemption of Jerusalem and the restoration of Jewish sovereignty. The use of Hebrew inscriptions and Jewish religious symbols underscores the cultural and religious identity of the Jewish rebels and their resistance against Roman rule. The coin also highlights the importance of Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Judaism and the focal point of the Jewish national aspirations.