"COIN OF THE MONTH" - BAR KOCHBA AR SELA / TETRADRACHM
Mildenberg 22, Hendin 6416, Choice Extremely Fine, slight reverse deposits, 27.3mm, 14.26 grams
Obverse: Temple Facade, holy of holies with ark staves within protruding, surrounded by inscription "JERUSALEM in Paleo-Hebrew with + in center
Reverse: Arba Minim (Palm branch, willow, myrtle and etrog (one each as per opinion of Rabbi Akiba), surrounded by inscription "YEAR TWO OF THE FREEDOM OF JERUSALEM" in abbreviated Paleo-Hebrew.
Note: This coin can be purchased by check or wire transfer. Credit cards or paypal will incur extra fees and can only be accepted from known customers. Please contact us first if you wish to pay by one of these methods.
A BEAUTIFUL coin with very subtle toning, underlying luster and fantastic eye appeal, SHARP centered Temple and lulav! Struck on a broad flan with all elements present and margin around the borders; a wonderful example of this RARE early dated issue with the city name "Jerusalem" on the obverse.
Aside from the the wavy line Sela, the upper facade of all other Selas feature either a rosette, a + sign or a star. All are figurative and appear to represent the twinkle of the chandelier of Queen Helena which was hung in the center of the Temple's entrance. You can read more about it in our article here.
Ex: Chicago, IL Collection
