"COIN OF THE MONTH" - SHIMON BAR KOCHBA AE MEDIUM DENOMINATION, STRUCK OVER ASCALON AE OF NERO
COIN MATCHING THE ASCALON OVERSTRIKE IS INCLUDED
Mildenberg 119 and type "U" variety struck over Sofaer 66/67/69, Nero AE of Ascalon , About Extremely Fine, 25.8mm, 12.64 grams
Nero of Ascalon AE, Very Fine 25mm, 12.62 grams
Obverse: Vine leaf on tendril, For the Freedom of Jerusalem in Paleo-Hebrew around
Reverse: Seven branched palm tree with two bunches of dates, Shimon in Paleo-Hebrew across fields
A sharp coin and RARE coin! Ascalon is one of the varieties of Mildenberg mentioned on page 119 as category "U".
As is well known, the bronze coins were filed down by Bar Kokhba's mint workers and it is rare that one can detect any discernable undertype. This coin was not completely filed and in fact seems to have been produced hurriedly under pressure, poignantly showing very clear file marks. The vine leaf is sharply struck, and off-centered almost as if they had intended for the emperors portrait also to be seen. The emperors profile can be seen as well at the orientation of the letters and the last letter, clearly identifying this as a coin of Ascalon. On the reverse small remnant of the bird is probable. Please see all the attached photos.
While definitely an Ascalon overstrike, is almost certainly an overstrike of Nero and a likely obverse die match to Sofaer 69. Caligula and Claudius however cannot be definively ruled out. An intriquing historical coin, of a type hardly ever seen!
Ex: VJM collection formed 1970's - early 2000's. Bar Kokhba bronze purchased from David Hendin (Amphora) in 2000
Consignor authorized "Holiday discount"
