Description: Judaea, AE Prutah, First Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE)
Obverse: Various symbols, including amphora, chalic, or pomegranate, often with Hebrew inscriptions denoting the year of the revolt.
Reverse: Symbols such as vine leaves, lulav, or palm trees, typically accompanied by Hebrew inscriptions like “Cheruth Zion” (Freedom of Zion).
History: The First Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE) was sparked by Roman oppression, including the desecration of the synagogue in Caesarea. Admist the turmoil of Rome’s civil wars, Jewish forces resisted until Titus captured Jerusalem in 70 CE, destroying the Second Temple—a loss mourned annualy on Tisha B’Av.
Coins of the revolt symbolized Jewish independence from Rome and were a powerful declaration of Jewish sovereignty. The inscriptions emphasized freedom and national identity, while the imagery reflected the central role of the Temple in Jewish life. These coins were only struck during the second and third year of the rebellion.
