JUDAEA. First Jewish War, 66-70 C.E. AR Shekel (13.42 gms), Jerusalem Mint, dated Year 4 (69/70 C.E.). NGC AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. Die Shift.Meshorer-207; Hendin-6393. Obverse: Omer cup; Reverse: Sprig of three pomegranates. A magnificent Shekel from the RARE fourth and penultimate year of the Jewish War. Struck on a broad flan, it offers nearly complete borders for both dies. The bold detail and evident metal flow suggest it received a forceful strike, with a trace of die shift on the reverse. Of great metal quality and only gently toned, the coin projects an elegant, lustrous character throughout its fields. This remarkable survivor ranks among the most treasured rarities of the entire Judaean series.
By the fourth year of the Great Jewish Revolt, momentum had shifted decisively in favor of the Romans. Vespasians campaign pacified much of the Judaean hinterlands, driving the rebels to consolidate around Jerusalem and setting the stage for his son Titus siege of the great city. This deteriorating situation is reflected in the coinage by the pronounced scarcity of year 4 coinage relative to the preceding three years; David Hendin notes just 53 examples of the Shekel and 6 for the Half Shekel of this year.</em>To view all items from the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=From+the+Rabbi+Victor+H.+Weissberg+and+Tamar+Weissberg+Collection&limit=96&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a>From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection.
Ex: Privately purchased from Superior Galleries (7/1987).
