A silver shekel, the second year of the Jewish War against Rome (The Great Revolt)

A silver shekel, the second year of the Jewish War against Rome (The Great Revolt)
Obv.: Cup with rim of ten pellets, surrounded by Paleo-Hebrew inscription (shekel of Israel). Above the cup, the date (abbreviation of year two). Rev.: Stem with three pomegranates surrounded by an inscription (Jerusalem the Holy). 67/8 C.E. 13.07 grams, 21 mm.

The Great Revolt, 66-70 CE, also called the Jewish War against the Romans, is remembered in Jewish history for its disastrous consequences, including widespread physical destruction and the killing of hundreds of thousands of Jews, culminating in the obliteration of the Second Temple.

In the course of the war the Jewish rebels struck coins in silver and bronze as an act of defiance against Rome, since the right to strike coins signified a measure of autonomy. The inscriptions on the coins served as slogans in favor of the uprising for the Jewish population among whom they circulated, inscriptions such as "For the freedom or redemption of Zion." The shekels and half-shekels were coins that could be used as the annual half-shekel tax to the Temple.

The symbols decorating such coins are mostly agricultural produce of the land and vessels used in the Temple service.

The coin is sold under antiquities license #318. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.