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303
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.40 g), 132-135 CE. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).
‘Simon’ (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion
at top and tendrils at bottom. Rev. ‘For the freedom of Jerusalem’ (Paleo-Hebrew), upright palm branch.
Hendin 1416; Mildenberg 65 (O14/R37); TJC 279c. Overstruck on a coin of Trajan. A very choice exam-
ple. Removed from an NGC slab where graded Ch AU; Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5.
$700
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
The zuzim attributed to the third year of the Bar Kokhba War continue the wreathed name of Simon [bar Kokh-
ba] and palm branch types of the second year even though by this time the hope of victory, as symbolized by
the palm, was quickly slipping away as Roman forces massed against Judaea and prepared for the final onslaught.
304
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.39 g), 132-135 CE. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).
‘Simon’ (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion
at top and tendrils at bottom. Rev. ‘For the freedom of Jerusalem’ (Paleo-Hebrew), fluted jug with handle
on left; in right field, willow branch. Hendin 1418; Mildenberg 72 (O14/R44); TJC 283b. NGC grade MS;
Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
$1,000
305
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.18 g), 132-135 CE. Undated, attributed to year 3 (134/5 CE).
‘Simon’ (Paleo-Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion
at top and tendrils at bottom. Rev. ‘For the freedom of Jerusalem’ (Paleo-Hebrew), fluted jug with handle
on left; in right field, willow branch. Hendin 1418; Mildenberg 83 (O14/R53’); TJC 283b. Lightly toned.
Removed from an NGC slab where graded AU; Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5.
$600
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection.
Zuz, the Hebrew name for the small silver issues that made up the bulk of the precious metal coinage produced by the Jewish
rebels in the third year (135/4 CE) of the Bar Kokhba War, was only discovered in 1961, when a cache of documents was
uncovered in a cave complex in the Dead Sea area. This included letters, receipts, and other documents apparently hidden near
the end of the war and which referred to zuzim and sela’im with respect to a sale of land.