Year 1/2 Hybrid Zuz

Triton XIX, Lot: 309. Estimate $3000. Sold for $4750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA, Bar Kochba Revolt. 132-135 CE. AR Zuz – Denarius (17.5mm, 3.09 g, 1h). Undated, struck early year 2 (133 CE). “Shim‘” (in Hebrew) within wreath / Flagon with handle; palm frond to right; “Eleazar the Priest” (in Hebrew) around. Mildenberg 3 (O3/R1); Meshorer 234a; Hendin 1384; Bromberg 441 (same dies); Shoshana I 20249 (same obv. die); Sofaer 36 (same obv. die); Spaer 199 (same obv. die). Good VF, toned, some minor porosity. Rare.

From the David Hendin Collection.

This issue used a reverse die that was used on zuzim of year 1, paired with a new obverse die typical to year 2. Mildenberg 3 coins were likely the earliest zuzim struck in the second year of the revolt.