Nice Discoveries: Uncommon Half-Shekel Silver Coin Present in Desert

Silver coin First Jewish Revolt half-shekel — This silver half-shekel coin dates again to the First Jewish Revolt towards the Roman Empire.
*Picture Supply: Israel Antiquities Authority through* Newsweek

The First Jewish Revolt towards the Roman Empire began in 66 AD. The Jews expelled the Romans from Jerusalem and established a authorities that remained in place for about 4 years. Ultimately, the Jewish state collapsed—however remnants from the revolt are nonetheless being found in the present day.

Not too long ago, researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered a uncommon “half-shekel” silver coin relationship again to the time of the First Jewish Revolt, Newsweek reported. They discovered the coin throughout a survey of a desert east of Jerusalem within the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, positioned on the Lifeless Sea’s western shore.

IAA researchers mentioned the coin was minted in Jerusalem and dates to AD 66–67. One aspect of the coin options the phrase “The Holy Jerusalem” in historical Hebrew script and an outline of three pomegranates. The opposite aspect depicts a chalice and the letter “Aleph,” which denotes the revolt’s first yr and the coin’s worth.

Up to now, IAA researchers mentioned they’re unsure about how the coin ended up within the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. They’ve speculated that the coin might have fallen out of the pocket of a insurgent who escaped to the desert through the revolt.

On the time of the First Jewish Revolt, it was widespread for rebels to mint silver and bronze cash with Jewish symbols, Newsweek indicated. Rebels used these cash as a part of their very own sovereign financial system. However, discovering a coin from this explicit interval is uncommon, and specialists say a search of the whole Judean Desert is now needed.

half-shekel Jewish Revolt silver coin — This half-shekel from the First Jewish–Roman Battle (AD 66–73) interval offered for $15,600 in 2019.

Those that need to view different half-shekel cash relationship again a whole lot or 1000’s of years can see a whole lot of different gadgets within the WorthPoint® database.

Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content material author and editor with a few decade of expertise. He produces content material throughout a variety of industries, together with antiques, insurance coverage, and actual property. To study extra about Dan, please go to his website.

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