So this arrived today. A Nero silver tetradrachm of Antioch, Seleucis, & Pieria, purchased from Aegean Numismatics. (An excellent experience BTW—good price, communication, and prompt shipping.) I’ve seen another retailer comment that this coin is the “Sela Neronis mentioned in the Mishna (Keilim).” What is this “sela Neronis”? I understand that “sela” is a kind of synonym for “drachm,” correct? And the Mishna is a collection of texts on Jewish Law. So presumably this coin, the “drachm of Nero,” is mentioned in the Mishna. Can someone educate me on the context?
I know nothing about it but this hit from FAC touches upon the subject and gives a few more details: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=67089.10;wap2 Nice coin
Ah, so it seems to be a discussion of what kinds of coins are acceptable for the Jewish Temple tax. One commentator said that “Coinage of inferior quality (sela Neronis, believed to be a tetradrachm) is mentioned as acceptable for voluntary donations” but maybe not for the Temple tax.
I lack knowledge of the background necessary to do much with the FAC posts but yes, something to do with the temple tax. I look forward to the Cliff Notes version of the story Maybe @Deacon Ray can shed a ray of light?
Nice addition Nero (54 - 68 A.D.) AR Tetradrachm SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch O: NEPΩNOΣ KAICAPOΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, Laureate bust right, wearing aegis. R: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, with wings spread; palm frond to left, H/IP (dates) to right. Dated year 110 of the Caesarian era; RY 8 (AD 61/62). 27mm 13.4g RPC I 4182; McAlee 258; Prieur 82.
Great pick up Gavin. The term sounds familiar to me, but I have no information to give. I am curious myself. Nero Year 110, 60/61 AD Antioch Mint AR Tetradrachm Obvs: NEPΩNOΣ KAIΣAP OΣ ΣEBAΣTOY, Nero laureate right wearing aegis Revs: Eagle left on thunderbolt; palm branch before. H IP to right 23x27mm, 14.8g Ref: BMC v.20.174.192
So this is the closest thing to Cliff’s Notes (@TIF 'S NOTES?) I could find. Anyway, in the section of the Mishnah known as Kelim, either in the text itself or commentary, the Neronian sela (this tetradrachm) is used in a comparison describing the appropriate size of a hole for something—perhaps the size of a hole in a wineskin or a “hole for light.” I really can’t discern the context; something ritual, I assume. But the size of this hole—whatever it’s for—is described as being the diameter of this coin. Here’s what I believe to be the relevant text. If there’s more to the role of the “sela Neronis” in the Mishnah, I’m all ears. "In the case of skins of wine and oil [the holes] must be as big as their large stopper; in the case of a hole for light that was not made by human hands, the minimum size of it is that of a large fist, referring to the fist of Ben Batiah. Rabbi Yose said: And it is as big as a large human head. And in the case of one made by human hands, the prescribed size is that of the large drill in the Temple chamber, which is the size of the Italian pundion, or the Neronian sela, or like the hole in a yoke.” It has been speculated that the "Italian pundion" is a reference to the Roman dupondius. See https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Kelim.17.12?lang=bi&with=Tosefta Keilim Metsia&lang2=en&p3=Yachin_on_Mishnah_Kelim.18.1&lang3=bi
