Bar Kokhba Coins

Coins minted by the Jewish administration during the Bar Kokhba Revolt against Rome (132–135). Many were struck over existing Roman coins, deliberately covering the imperial imagery with Jewish symbols such as the Temple facade, the lulav and etrog, trumpets, and a lyre. They carry Paleo-Hebrew inscriptions with slogans like "Year One of the Redemption of Israel," "For the Freedom of Jerusalem," and the names "Shimon" (Bar Kokhba) and "Eleazar the Priest." These coins are important physical evidence of the short-lived independent Jewish government established during the revolt, and of the deep hope to restore national sovereignty and Temple worship in Jerusalem.