Obverse: Inscription “Simon” Encircled by a
Wreath of Almonds
Reverse: A Flutted Jug and Palm Branch
Surrounded by the Inscription: “For the Freedom
of Israel”
After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish
High Priesthood lost its center and authority. But
the dream of rebuilding the Temple still
smoldered. Sixty-two years after the Temple
perished in flames, the Roman Emperor Hadrian
proposed to build a new city on the site of
Jerusalem, including a magnificent new temple
dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the former
Jewish temple. Hadrian's plans fanned this
dream back to flame, and rebellion flared up.
Simon Bar Kochba, a Jewish leader of massive
physical strength (whom many believed to be the
Messiah), rallied the Jews. Caught by surprise,
the Roman forces in the region were defeated.
Jerusalem and its surrounding area were once
again under control of the Jews. A glorious
series of coinage was minted by the Jews,
containing legends proclaiming the "Freedom of
Israel". These coins were usually struck over the
top of an existing coin, and you can often make
out the remnants of the old design under the
new. But the concentrated might of the Romans
was brought to bear on the region, and it
became clear that Rome would eventually
prevail. The rebellion was ultimately crushed,
and Simon Bar Kochba was captured by the
Romans, who executed him shortly thereafter.
How many hands have touched a coin in your
pocket or your purse? What eras and lands have
the coin traversed on its journey into our
possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull
out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of
who touched the coin before us, or where the
coin will venture to after us. More than money,
coins are a symbol of the state that struck them,
of a specific time and place, whether
contemporary currencies or artifacts of long
forgotten empires. This stunning hand-struck
coin reveals an expertise of craftsmanship and
intricate sculptural details that are often lacking
in contemporary machine-made currencies. The
struggle of the Jewish people to rule their
homeland, as represented by this coin, has finally
come to an end in modern times. This coin
reconnects us with the past, with those who
fought and struggled for their freedom against
an oppressive Empire almost two thousand year
ago.
- (C.2212)
|
