Judaea First Revolt – Hand-Struck Silver Shekel Replica (Year 5)

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Judaea First Revolt AR Shekel – Year 5 is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the ancient Jewish silver shekel struck during the fifth and final year of the First Jewish–Roman War (69–70 CE) at Jerusalem, under the authority of the rebel Judean administration during the closing phase of the historic uprising against Roman rule — a distinctive and culturally significant denomination known today from a very limited number of surviving ancient examples.

Each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking techniques. This process produces irregular flans, varied relief, and surface character comparable to ancient originals, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.

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

Historical & Numismatic Background

• A rare ancient silver shekel minted by the Jewish people during the First Jewish–Roman War (66–70 CE), also known as the Great Revolt — the first large-scale Jewish rebellion against Roman imperial rule. These coins were struck in Jerusalem during the final year of the conflict, as Roman forces closed in on the city and the Temple itself.
• In 66 CE, the Jewish nation of Judaea rose in revolt against the overwhelming power of the Roman Empire. One of the most profound expressions of this resistance was the creation of an independent silver coinage — the first precious-metal coins ever struck by the Jewish people — serving as a bold declaration of sovereignty, religious legitimacy, and national identity.
• The high-purity silver shekels of the revolt were struck for just five years, each dated according to the year of the rebellion. Year 5 issues, produced on the eve of Jerusalem’s fall in 70 CE, are among the rarest and most historically charged of the entire series. Many were overstruck on Tyrian silver taken from the Temple treasury, deliberately replacing the former legends “Tyre the Holy and the Inviolable” with the powerful inscriptions “Shekel of Israel” and “Jerusalem the Holy.”
• Year 5 shekels are especially significant as the final numismatic voice of the revolt, struck at a moment of existential crisis yet unwavering ideological conviction.
• More than just a coin, this artefact stands as a poignant testament to faith, resistance, and the final stand of the Jewish people to preserve their religion, culture, and sovereignty in the face of imperial destruction.

Numismatic References:

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

– Hendin 1370a

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Judaea First Revolt Shekel year 5 replica

Denomination represented: AR Shekel

Authority / Mint: Jerusalem

Era represented: 70 CE

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 13-14 gr

Dimensions: approx. 22-24 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: ‘Shekel of Israel’ in Palaeo-Hebrew, around a ritual chalice; date Year 5 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.