A Silver Zuz of the Bar Kokhba Revolt

Here is a coin that ranks among my favorites and I have owned it for several years, but for some reason I have never photographed it....until now.

This is a silver Zuz (Denarius) issued by the Jewish rebels during the Bar Kokhba revolt which was crushed by Hadrian. The revolt lasted from AD 132-135 and this example was minted in AD 134-135 at an as yet uncertain mint. The obverse shows a bunch of grapes and the objects on the reverse are trumpets. The inscription on the reverse reads "Freedom for Jerusalem." AD 135 marked the end of Israel as a nation until it was re-established in AD 1948. These were overstruck on Roman Denarii or Eastern Drachms, but in this case I cannot make out the undertype (if you have an idea please share).

 

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@Deacon Ray would like this ancient coin

 

I bet he'll find this thread!

 

What is the symbolism behind the grapes?

A cool coin just dripping with history.

 

I don't collect these, but this example would make me think twice. Amazing coin.

 

For what it might be worth, this coin was formerly graded AU Strike 5 Surfaces 4 by some outfit calling themselves NGC. I cracked it as soon as I got my hands on it.

 

I think they liked grapes.

 

Total boss coin, Aethelred!

I'd love to get one of these myself. My bro got himself one from a CNG auction in the fall. (seller's photo)



Erin

 

Know nothing about them but cool coin. Would take one for the historical aspect.

 

great coin, cool obverse and reverse!

 

@Johndakerftw That Zuz your brother has is no slouch either

 

Thanks! He's pretty proud of it.

Erin

 

Trumpets on the reverse of the OP coin? Looks like wine flutes to me

Both coins are lovely, wish I had one!

 

Not an area that I collect but yours is a very nice example! It is my understanding that these are an in demand coin that usually demand premiums.

 

Very nice! Thank you for posting this. I believe that yours is the less common of the Bar Kochba Revolt coins. The coin with the date palm tree is available from several dealers on VCoins.

 

Hi, I collect Judean and have a few similar examples...

Very nice coin there..


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Well, I don't collect these, but I wanted to say welcome. We look forward to seeing whatcha got.

 

Thanks for the welcome!

For starters this is my example of the coin type above...


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Lovely coins all, I'd better not get too into them or I will want one

 

I will admit, they can be quite addictive (and costly


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