Judean One-eighth shekel Coin

Inv. No.: c072
Date: c. A.D. 69-70.
Weight: 3.93g
 
Obv.: Lulab (palm branch) between two ethrogs (citrus fruit).

Rev.: Chalice with pearls on rim and knob on stem.

In dating the coin within the Jewish revolt of A.D. 66-70, I have adopted the view of W. Wirgin and S. Mandel, The History of Coins and Symbols in Ancient Israel (1958), pp. 38-51. The authors also demonstrate (pp. 215-221) that the “chalice” may actually be a Temple laver.

The use of peculiarly Jewish types and of ancient Hebrew script is a noteworthy expression of national feeling, reminiscent of the shekels minted over two centuries earlier by Simon Maccabaeus (143-136 B.C.). The Roman government would rightly have viewed the coin as an act of political defiance.

Comparanda:
AJC 6 (except for dating).