Unveiling the Past: Rare A.D. 70 Coin Discovered in Jerusalem

In a groundbreaking archaeological find, a rare coin minted in Jerusalem during the time of the apostles has been unearthed near the Temple Mount. The bronze coin, dated A.D. 69-70, features an inscription in ancient Hebrew script: “For the Redemption of Zion.” This powerful message reflects the desperate hopes of Jerusalem’s Jews during the final year before the Temple’s destruction by the Roman army. According to Esther Rakow-Mellet, an archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, the coin was discovered covered in dirt and was part of a rare batch minted during the fourth year of the First Jewish–Roman War.

A Tangible Link to History
The coin’s discovery provides a tangible link to the First Jewish–Roman War and the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70. During this time, Christianity was spreading rapidly across the Roman Empire, with the Apostle Paul having completed his missionary journeys and likely martyred just a few years earlier. Other apostles, such as John, were still alive and actively ministering. The coin’s inscription suggests a shift in messaging from “Freedom” to “Redemption,” indicating a change in the mood of the rebels from euphoria to desperation ¹.

Significance of the Find
The coin features a goblet on one side with the inscription “For the Redemption of Zion” and symbols from the Jewish festival of Sukkot on the reverse, including a palm frond and two citrus fruits, alongside the inscription “Year Four.” This rare find offers a unique glimpse into the history of Jerusalem during a pivotal moment, providing insight into the economic and cultural practices of the time. As Yuval Baruch, excavation director, notes, the shift in messaging on the coin may indicate the rebels’ growing desperation as they faced the impending fall of Jerusalem.