Hoard of shekels from the time of the Jewish War against the Romans 66-70 CE

The coin collection is an important and meaningful component of the archaeological collection at the Hecht museum. It includes coins commissioned by Jewish rulers during the Second Temple period, beginning with the coins of YHD, the Persian Province of Judah (approximately mid-4th century BCE), and ending with the coins of Bar Kokhba (132-135 CE). 

Especially impressive are the shekels and half-shekels from the period of the Great Revolt, and the sela and dinar coins that were minted during the Bar Kokhba War. These coins were decorated with motifs common in Jewish art, such as pomegranates, clusters of grapes, goblets, and musical instruments.

The coins effectively comprise a large collection of portraits of Jewish rulers from the Second Temple period. These coins depict images of Herodian dynasty rulers, and the most impressive coins are those of Agrippa I.

The collection also includes interesting non-Jewish coins that have a connection with Jewish history. For example, the "Judaea Capta" coins were minted by the Romans after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

Yahud coin struck in Jerusalem. Persian period, 4th century BCE Silver shekel struck in Jerusalem in 66/7 CE Judaea Capta coin struck at Rome in 71 Head of Agrippa I coin struck at Caesarea in 43 CE