Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 671. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $3350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA. First Jewish War. 66-70 CE. Æ Quarter Shekel (8.60 gm, 1h). Dated year 4 (69/70 CE). Etrog (citron) / Lulavim (myrtle branches); date and denomination around. Meshorer 213; Hendin 669. Good VF, desert patina. Rare. ($500)

By this point in the war, the Jewish rebels held Jerusalem against the Romans, and little else. Their supply of bullion being almost exhausted, they were only able to strike a handful of silver shekels, the shortage being made up with bronze quarter and eighth shekels. These were apparently unpopular, and few examples survived.