Judaea First Revolt AR Half-Shekel Year 2 (67-68 CE) Jerusalem 66-70 AD Ancient Jewish Silver Coin (Paleo-Hebrew) Museum Reproduction CSJS0012

A rare ancient silver half-shekel minted by the Jewish people during the First Jewish-Roman War, also known as the Great Revolt or ha-Mered Ha-Gadol. Struck in the Holy city of Jerusalem during the second year of the conflict (67/68 AD).

In AD 66, the people of Jerusalem rose up in revolt against the oppressive Roman occupation. The rebellion spread quickly throughout Judaea, and thousands of Romans either massacred or forced to flee. The leaders of the revolt declared Israel an independent nation and, for the first time in Jewish history, began striking coins in silver. These coins were mainly shekels of about 13-14 grams weight, along with half-shekels weighing 6.8 grams, and a tiny handful of silver quarter-shekels. The mint was likely located within the Temple complex and the silver provided by the stockpiles of Tyrian shekels kept in the treasury. Mintage was carefully controlled for weight, fineness and and the political slogans each coin carried. For some unknown reason, half-shekels are considerably rarer than full shekels. According to the Israel Numismatic Society’s Menorah Coin Project, which has made a census of known examples of Jewish War coins, more than 360 Year 2 shekels are known to have survived, but only 102 half-shekels are recorded. This is somewhat puzzling as the half-shekel is named in several ancient sources as the amount of the Temple Tax paid by every Jewish male over the age of 20, and one would think that such a denomination would be at least as common in circulation as its double. However, roughly the same survival rate applies to the Tyrian shekels and half-shekels previously used to pay the tax.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
‘Shekel of Israel’ in Palaeo-Hebrew, around a ritual chalice; date Year 2 above
Reverse side
‘Jerusalem the Holy’ in Palaeo-Hebrew, around a branch with three pomegranates

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.