Judaea First Revolt – Hand-Struck Silver Half-Shekel Replica (Year two)

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Judaea First Revolt AR Half-Shekel is a modern, hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the ancient Jewish silver half-shekel struck in the second year of the First Jewish–Roman War (67–68 CE) at Jerusalem under the authority of the rebel Judean provisional government during the historic uprising against Roman rule — a distinctive and culturally significant denomination known today from only a limited number of surviving ancient examples. Each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking methods, producing irregular flans, varied relief, and surface character comparable to ancient originals.

Unlike cast or machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, texture, and individuality characteristic of ancient coinage.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• 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.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– Meshorer 195

– Hendin 660

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Judaea First Revolt half-shekel year 2 replica

Denomination represented: AR half-shekel

Authority / Mint: Jerusalem

Era represented: 67-68 CE

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: 6.00gr

Dimensions: 18.3mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: ‘Shekel of Israel’ in Palaeo-Hebrew, around a ritual chalice; date Year 2 above

Reverse: ‘Jerusalem the Holy’ in Palaeo-Hebrew, around a branch with three pomegranates

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, and surface are expected.

Availability & Variations

When listed as “Add to Cart,” the coin shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive.

When listed as “Order Now,” the coin will be hand-struck to order. Each newly struck piece will differ slightly in appearance, reflecting the traditional minting process.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a modern, hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.