Who Minted the Jewish War’s Coins?

Abstract

A well-known incongruity exists between the rivalry and internecine war in Jerusalem
during the Jewish War (66–70 CE) and the stable minting of the silver coins (sheqels and
their fractions) issued there at the time. We suggest that though the turmoil affected the
revolt’s leadership it was not felt in the silver issues because they were minted by a
Temple authority mainly for expenditures needed for the Temple’s functioning and maintenance.
With regard to the bronze coins, we conclude they were minted independent of
the Temple mint and should be attributed to Simon bar Giora.