JUDAEA, Bar Kokhba War. 132-136 CE. Zuz = Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 2.56 g, 6 h), regular coinage. Uncertain mint, Year 2 = 133/4 CE. 𐤔𐤌𐤏𐤅𐤍 (‘Šimʿon’ 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. 𐤔𐤁 𐤋𐤇𐤓 𐤉𐤔𐤀𐤋 ('Year 2 of the Freedom of Israel' in Paleo-Hebrew) Palm frond curving very slightly to left. Bromberg I 153 (same dies). Hendin 6429. Meshorer, AJC, 29. Mildenberg 60.16 (this coin, O14/R32). Samel 2425 (same dies). Shoshana I 20316-20317 (same dies). Sofaer 51 (same dies). Struck from a highly unusual recut reverse die. Lightly toned and with an excellent pedigree. Double struck and with the typical reverse die break, otherwise, very fine.



This unusual reverse die was extensively recut, although traces of the original lettering remained visible. Another characteristic feature is the diagonal die break. To date, however, no specimen struck from the die in its original state has come to light, so its precise appearance remains unknown. Our specimen is also notable for the pronounced double strike, a phenomenon rarely seen to such an extent on Jewish zuzim.