JUDAEA, Bar Kokhba War. 132-136 CE. Zuz = Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.35 g, 1 h), regular coinage. Uncertain mint. Undated, but attributed to Year 3 = 134/5 CE. 𐤔𐤌𐤍𐤏𐤅 ('Šimna' (sic!) in Paleo-Hebrew) within a wreath composed of branches and eight almonds, tied with a medallion at the top and tendrils at the bottom. Rev. 𐤋𐤇𐤓𐤅𐤕 𐤉𐤓𐤅𐤔𐤋𐤌 ('For the Freedom of Jerusalem' in Paleo-Hebrew) One-handled jug with fluted body to right; to right, palm frond. Bromberg II 492 (same dies). Hendin 6449 (same dies). Meshorer, AJC, 66a. Mildenberg 107.5 (this coin, O16/R73'). Samel 2468 (same dies, the reverse die before recutting). Shoshana I 20405 (same dies). Sofaer 118 (same obverse die). Lightly toned. Overstruck on a denarius of Vespasian. The obverse struck from the usual worn die and the reverse somewhat off center and with light traces of the undertype, otherwise, about extremely fine.



The outlines of Vespasian's forehead, eye, and nose can be discerned between the jug and the palm frond on the reverse.