SHIMON BAR KOCHBA AE SMALL DENOMINATION MODIFIED TO A GAMING PIECE OR WEIGHT
Hendin 6467var, contrast added, 18.4mm, 5.00 grams, Struck Circa. 132 - 135 C.E.
Original Obverse: Bunch of grapes with branch and small leaf, To the freedom of Jerusalem in Paleo-Hebrew around
Original Reverse: Seven branched palm tree with two bunches of dates, Shimon in Paleo-Hebrew across fields
Punctured and converted into a pendant and gaming piece or weight in antiquity
In the early years of archaeology Bar Kokhba coins were often found with perforations. The reason for this was, that being the fruits of a rebellion against Rome, Bar Kokhba's coins were call "Maot Sakana", i.e. dangerous money. The reason being that their possessor could suffer imprisonment or even death. Thus, many coins were squirreled away, and later converted to charms by their Jewish owners. This coin apparently was, as well, but curiously was further converted in antiquity into a gaming piece or weight. This phenomenon is known, but we have never seen it on a coin of Bar Kokhba. The modification may also have been done by Romans, as late as the fourth or fifth century C.E. - An interesting and unusual piece of Judaean history!
Ex: Fontanille Coins
