The Bar Kokhba Revolt Coinage

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The Jews took existing Roman coins and reminted a new impression on them as a sign of rebellion. The Bar Kokhba Revolt coin at the top, circa 134/135 CE, year three of the rebellion, shows the Four Species minted over the face of Emperor Vespasian. Also inscribed on it are the words: "For the Freedom of Jerusalem". Striking these so-called freedom coins was a capital offense, as coin minting was an imperial privilege. Other rebellion coins featured the two silver trumpets, the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant, and the lyre - all Jewish religious symbols.

The coin currency was called Zuzim, which means “to move” from hand to hand. In ancient times, coins across the ancient world due to their inherent value. The minted images served as messages, in this case calling for the liberation of Jerusalem and the Jewish people from Roman oppression.

Roman minted coins of that period displayed Hadrian and the Capitoline Triad in a distyle temple, the suckling she-wolf with Romulus and Remus, and other Roman mythological characters.

1) The Bar Kokhba Revolt coin at the top, circa 134/135 CE, year three of the rebellion, shows the Four Species minted over the face of Emperor Vespasian. Also inscribed on it are the words: "For the Freedom of Jerusalem"

Collection: George Blumenthal

Photo: Ardon BarHama

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2) Revolt Coins displaying Harp and Silver Trumpets.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Hadrian with the Capitoline Triad

OBVERSE: JUDAEA, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Hadrian. 117-138 CE. Laureate and draped bust right.

REVERSE: The Capitoline Triad all within distyle temple.

Credit: Ancient Coinage (Author's collection)

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Overview

‍Jewish Revolt Coins were decorated with religious symbols including the Four Species, Temple with the Ark of the Covenant, the Silver Trumpets and the Lyre.

Roman Coins displayed Hadrian and the pagan Capitoline Triad: Jupiter (Zeus), Juno and Minerva

Coinage Images:

1) The Bar Kokhba Revolt coin at the top, circa 134/135 CE, year three of the rebellion, shows the Four Species minted over the face of Emperor Vespasian.

Also inscribed on it are the words: "For the Freedom of Jerusalem".

2) Jewish Revolt Coins displaying Harp and Silver Trumpets.

3) Coins minted by the Romans during the revolt.

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