Coin from Jerusalem's final revolt reveals shift in rebel hopes

Excavations near the Temple Mount's southwest corner have uncovered a rare bronze coin from the fourth year of the First Jewish Revolt against Rome, minted in Jerusalem between March 69 and March 70 CE—less than a year before the city's destruction. The coin bears a chalice on one side and a lulav and etrogs (symbols of Sukkot) on the other, along with inscriptions in Hebrew. Unlike earlier revolt coins inscribed "For the freedom of Zion," this year-four issue reads "For the redemption of Zion"—a shift that excavation director Yuval Baruch says reflects a profound change in the rebels' mindset and identity. The inscription indicates the mood had shifted from the euphoria and anticipation of the rebellion's earlier years to despair and yearning as the besieged forces faced imminent defeat. The coins are significantly larger and heavier than their predecessors and were likely minted under the authority of Shimon Bar Giora, one of several rebel leaders competing for control of the encircled city. Year-four coins are rare among revolt coinage, partly because the city fell before many could be produced.

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Source: Biblical Archaeology Society — https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/for-the-redemption-of-zion/