1/2 Sheqel Year 2

Struck during the First Jewish Revolt against Rome, this half sheqel belongs to the second year of the rebel Jewish administration's autonomous coinage — an assertion of political independence expressed partly through the deliberate rejection of human imagery, in direct contrast to Roman provincial issues. The revolt began in 66 AD and would end with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Year 2 production is generally more available than Year 1 but considerably scarcer than Year 3 and Year 4 issues, which were struck in greater urgency as the Roman siege tightened.