Jerusalem – A rare coin from the Bar Kokhba revolt was discovered in the Qibya cave, 30 km northwest of Ramallah, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories announced Thursday.
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The coin is believed to have been minted between the third and fourth year of the Bar Kokhba revolt (136-134 CE).
One side of the coin shows a palm tree with seven fronds and two clusters of fruit, as well as the inscription “Shim[on].” The other side portrays vine leaves with three lobes and the inscription, “To the freedom of Jerusalem.”
Alongside the coin, the archeologists also found pottery fragments and glass vessels that can be dated to the same period.
Archeological teams in the Qibya cave 30 kilometers northwest of Ramallah as part of the “Southern Samaria Survey” project. (COGAT SPOKESMAN)Archeological teams in the Qibya cave 30 kilometers northwest of Ramallah as part of the “Southern Samaria Survey” project. (COGAT SPOKESMAN)
The coin was found during a study conducted by the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria’s archeology unit, Bar-Ilan University and the University of Ariel during the “Southern Samaria Survey.”
The survey is a project, brought to life in 2014, during which different teams of archeologists cooperate in surveying areas to unearth historical findings that have been left behind at various sites.
“We estimate that there are many archeological artifacts that have not yet been discovered in the West Bank,” said Hanania Hezmi, the director of the Civil Administration’s archeology unit. “We are cooperating with all possible authorities in order to uncover important relics of Jewish history in the area.”
Experts estimated that the items were brought to the cave by Jewish refugees who lived in the area until 135 BCE. During the Bar Kokhba revolt, they were forced to leave their homes and hide in the cave
typical that in the post obumer era is found a coin from the most pathetic of all the jewish revolts against the roman empire that resulted in a state that lasted for a few years
Last coin fitting that description that was found a year ago was a replica of the original kept in a museum in tel Aviv i think. Also Bar Kosiba revolution didn’t happen til the common era therefore the narrative of 135 bce doesn’t make any sense. Maybe someone made a mistake.
Note: ““To the freedom of Jerusalem.” Perhaps the fact this coin with such inscription is found now is alluding to our final freedom and redemption. We also recently heard about the bullah from Eliahu Hanavi that was found close to the one of King Hezkiah. Eliahu is the one to announce Moschiach. I haven’t heard such news in the past and perhaps the fact it is happening now, could be a sign for us.
Also interesting that Israel just made 70 years, and it says that the geulah will start with 70 years and then a 9 month period…it says “In its time I will speed it up”, so what we see right now is not necessarily what will be tomorrow…