14K Gold Pendant, Shimon Bar Kokhba, Vine Leaf and Palm, ID14969

Description: Judaea, AE Bronze, Shimon Bar Kokhba (132-134 CE)

Obverse: Vine leaf on small branch with tendrils, inscription “Shim’on Prince of Israel” in Paleo-Hebrew. Reverse: Palm branch within a wreath, inscription “For the freedom of Jerusalem” in Paleo-Hebrew.

History: The Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE) was the final Jewish uprising against Roman rule. Led by Shimon Bar Kokhba, who was believed by some---most notably Rabbi Akiva—to be the prophesied Messiah, the revolt sought to reclaim Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem.

These coins were overstruck on Roman currency, deliberately erasing imperial symbols and replacing them with Jewish imagery. The grape leaf symbolized prosperity and the fertility of the Land of Israel, while the palm branch and wreath represented victory and divine protection. Inscriptions such as “For the freedom of Jerusalem” reinforced the rebels’ aspirations.

Despite early successes, the rebellion was ultimately crushed by Rome. Many Jews perished, and the devastation of Judaea led to further Jewish diaspora. Bar Kokhba was killed at Bethar, the rebellion’s last stronghold.