62 / 120
114
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (3.41 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). ‘Simon’, bunch of grapes
with leaf and tendril. Rev. ‘Year two of the freedom of Israel’ (Paleo-Hebrew), elongated lyre with three
strings. (Mildenberg 47 (O8/R27); TJC 242; Hendin 1396). Toned. Choice very fine.
$ 800
ex Spink & Sons Ncirc 98/7 (September 1990), lot 4986.
This and the following zuz of the second year (133/4 CE) of the Bar Kochba War depict the kinnor, a lyre-like instrument played
during worship in the Jerusalem Temple before its destruction. Indeed, the Mishna tells us that the minimum number of kinnorim
to be played in the Temple was nine, but there was no maximum limit. This musical allusion to the religious services in the Temple
is in keeping with the symbolic program of the Bar Kochba War coinage, which depicts the façade of the Temple as well as other
objects associated with religious observances and the festival of Sukkot.
115
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (2.47 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). ‘Simon’, bunch of grapes
with leaf and tendril. Rev. ‘Year two of the freedom of Israel’ (Paleo-Hebrew), elongated lyre with three
strings. (Mildenberg 47 (O8/R27); TJC 242; Hendin 1396). Essentially as struck. Attractively toned.
Very fine.
$ 700
Purchased privately from Superior, March 1989.
Extremely Rare H-1400 Year Two Silver Zuz
116
Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt. Silver Zuz (2.88 g), 132-135 CE. Year 2 (133/4 CE). ‘Simon’ (Paleo
Hebrew) within wreath of thin branches wrapped around eight almonds, with a medallion at top and
tendrils at bottom. Rev. ‘Year two of the freedom of Israel’ (Paleo-Hebrew), upright palm branch.
(Mildenberg 55 (O13/R12); TJC 246a; Hendin 1400).
Extremely rare - Mildenberg cites just one specimen.
Partial legend of the host coin visible on obverse. Nicely toned. Extremely fine.
$ 5,000
Purchased privately from Antiqua at the NYINC, January 2005.
Mildenberg suggested that the obverse die used to strike this very rare issue was likely a trial die. A provincial drachm from
Bostra under Trajan serves as the host coin.