The Fall of Jerusalem

CNG 105, Lot: 589. Estimate $1000. Sold for $5000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Titus. As Caesar, AD 69-79. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 12.48 g, 12h). Dated “Holy Year” 3 (AD 70/1). Laureate bust right, wearing aegis / ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY, Eagle standing left on palm branch, holding wreath in beak; club to left. McAlee 379; Prieur 140; RPC II 1967. Near EF, lightly toned, a few scratches in obverse field. Fine style portrait.

The date “Holy Year” 3 coincides with the fall of Jerusalem in August of AD 70 to the Romans under Titus’ command. The portrait of Titus is similar to that seen on “Judaea Capta” bronze coins, and it is possible that these tetradrachms were struck at the same mint, probably Caesarea Maritima (see RPC II p. 276; McAlee p. 173).