"COIN OF THE MONTH" - JEWISH WAR FIRST REVOLT AGAINST ROME AR SHEKEL, YR. 2 - 67/68 B.C.E.
Hendin 6387, Deutsch 37, 1 listed - ours finer, Hendin GBC5, 1358, MINT STATE - AS STRUCK, 22.7mm, 13.57 grams, Jerusalem Mint
Obverse: Chalice surround by inscription "Shekel of Israel", "Year 2" above chalice
Reverse: Staff of three pomegranates, surrounded by inscription "Jerusalem the Holy"
Please note: We can only accept wire transfer or US dollar check for payment on this coin, unless other arrangements are made before purchase.
Possibly the finest Shekel we have ever handled! The coin is stunning, virtually untouched, and as struck, showing every striation and even minute impact features from the dies. It is perfectly centered with ample frost and underlying luster, literally FDC. It was likely squirreled away or hidden by its owner in the early part of the war, and who may have been among the early casualties.
For comparison we note that the latest average shekels (see here and here) have been fetching about 10K lately, sometimes more, with the last Mint State specimen (we think ours is even better grade) fetching a whooping $24,000 (here).
Consigned from the collection of a Louisiana doctor. Purchased March, 2006
