Nerva. Æ Sestertius (26.44 g), AD 96-98. Rome, AD 97. IMP NERVA CAE[S AVG] P M TR P COS III P P, laureate head of Nerva right. Rev. FISCI IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA, S C across field, palm tree with two large bunches of dates. Hendin 1603b; RIC 82; BN 97; BMC 105. Very Rare and historically important. Reddish-brown and tan patina, light scratches and marks in fields. Sharpness of Very Fine. Estimate Value $4,500 - UP
From the S. Moussaieff Collection, This lot has been officially exported from Israel through the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Nerva's "Fisci Ivdaici" Sestertius: According to the Roman historian Suetonius: "More than any other, the Fiscus Iudaicus was administered very severely; and to it were brought, or reported, those who either had lived the life of a Jew unprofessed, or concealing their origin, had not paid the tax imposed upon by the people. I remember that it was of interest to me during my youth when a ninety-year-old man was brought before the procurator and a very crowded court to see whether he was circumcised."