‘FREEDOM TO ZION' COINS FOUND

Two coins dating back some 2,000 years were found in the Binyamin region of the West Bank during an archaeological survey conducted by Bar-Ilan University, the university and the Binyamin Regional Council announced Tuesday.

The coins date back to the period of the Jewish revolts against the Romans.

An archaeological survey does not involve extensive excavations but rather having researchers sample what is on the surface of an area or just very limited digging.

The Bar-Ilan survey was not limited to the cave, but also extended to the surrounding area.

One coin was discovered near Wadi Rashash, and another in a location known as Hirbet J'bait.

The artifact found in Hirbet J'bait was minted around 67 CE. It features a vine leaf and the Hebrew inscription Herut Zion (Freedom for Zion) on one side, and a goblet and the inscription Year Two on the other. Just three years later, in 70 CE, the Romans would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem. Several other remains from that period, including a ritual bath, have been uncovered in the area.

The second coin dates back to the time of the Bar Kochba Revolt some 70 years later. It bears a palm branch surrounded by a wreath and the inscription LeHerut Yerushalayim (Freedom to Jerusalem) on one side and a musical instrument and the name Shimon on the other – the first name of the rebellion's leader Bar Kochba.

To read the complete articles, see:
2,000-year-old ‘Freedom to Zion' coins found in biblical heartland (https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/2000-year-old-freedom-to-zion-coins-found-in-binyamin-region-673677)
2,000-year-old coins hailing ‘freedom' of Zion, Jerusalem uncovered in West Bank (https://www.timesofisrael.com/2000-year-old-coins-hailing-freedom-of-zion-jerusalem-uncovered-in-west-bank/)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web