© British Museum
© British Museum
¼ Sheqel Year
| Silver | 3.33 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Judea |
|---|---|
| Period | First Jewish-Roman War (66-73) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 69-70 |
| Value | ¼ Sheqel |
| Currency | The Great Revolt ‒ Shekel (66-70) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.33 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 0073 |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#93277 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Date surrounded by a wreath of palm branches, tied in X at bottom
Script: Hebrew
Lettering: ד
Translation: 4
Comment
For many years the single example of this coin existed in the collection of the British Museum, London. G.F. Hill the legendary Keeper of the Coins, wrote in his catalog of his collection that it was "unique but of not absolutely undoubted authenticity, which was acquired with the Hamberg collection...I am distinctly inclined...to accept the coin as antique; but I include it in the catalog with some reserve."Hill's instinct has proven to be correct. After the year 2000, two additional examples of this coin, from the same dies surfaced in the market. I had previously examine one of the recent finds microscopically and to study the other one in photographs taken before, during and after cleaning of the original thick crust of oxidisation and encrustation. Thus there are three known examples of this coin; the location of the two recent finds are not known at this writing.
Hill made another interesting observation unrelated to authenticity. He pointed out that unlike the other coins of the Jewish War, this coin shows the distinct influence of the procurator coins in that there is an X at the bottom of the wreath and the obverse of the three palm branches "recall the three barly-ears on the procurator coins of year 17 / 18 CE of Tiberius (No. 1341)." We note that three ears of grain also adorned the prutah of Agrippa I. Why this change of type took place, we simply do not understand at this time.
David Hendin Guide to Biblical Coins Fifth Edition
Interesting fact
The ¼ Sheqel coin from Judea, minted during Year 4 (69-70), was part of a series of coins issued during the Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire. These coins were minted in secret, using silver from melted-down Roman coins, and were used to finance the rebellion. The ¼ Sheqel coin was the smallest denomination in the series and was likely used for everyday transactions. Despite their small size, these coins hold significant historical value and are highly sought after by collectors today.
