Ancient Jewish coin sold for more than $1.1 million at Heritage Auction

An ancient Jewish (Judean) coin called “Prototype Year 1 Silver Shekel” as shown in the photo below, was recently sold at Heritage Auction in New York for more than $1.1 million.

Ancient Judean coin

According to Heritage Auction, March 9, 2012, the ancient Jewish coin was sold on Thursday for $1,105,375 and brought a world record price. As noted in the report, the ancient Judean coin is one of only two specimens known, the other one is in the collection of the Israel Museum, and is part of the Shoshana Collection of Ancient Coins of Judea being offered for auction sale.

Apparently, the said collection consists of over 2,200 old coins in total, which is being expected to make over $10 million in various auction events within this year, with the first sold coin was bought by an unnamed private overseas collector.

“This Year 1 silver shekel, struck shortly after the Jewish War began in May of 66 CE, is an incredible piece of history.” Heritage Auctions EVP Cris Bierrenbach was quoted in the report.

“This is literally one of the very first coins the Jewish rebels struck after they ousted the Romans from Jerusalem, sending shockwaves through the empire.” Bierrenbach added, noting that the Shoshana Coin Collection was assembled by an American collector for 4 decades.

“That history, as evidenced by the spirited bidding and the superb price realized, obviously continues to resonate today, more than 2,000 years later.” Bierrenbach explained further.