# 3961
AE Sestertius (Rome AD 96, 23.43g) - IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P Laureate head right / FISCI IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA Palm tree with two clusters of dates, large SC in fields (RIC II 58 / Hendin 6634 / BMCRE 88 / Banti 14) - VF, an attractive and very rare specimen. After triumphing in Judaea, Vespasian imposed a particular levy known as the Fiscus Iudaicus. Originally, this tax, equivalent to a half shekel (or two drachms), was obligatory for all Jewish men annually contributing to the Temple in Jerusalem. However, it was broadened to encompass all Jews across the Empire, regardless of age. The funds collected were redirected to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus in Rome, adding insult to injury by not only requiring payment to Rome for the privilege of worship but also diverting former Temple funds to pagan purposes. Despite its contentious nature, this tax became a vital revenue stream for the Flavians. Domitian's strict enforcement led to many Jews hiding their identity to evade payment, prompting the emperor to vigorously pursue potential evaders publicly. Suetonius recounts an incident where an elderly man was subjected to a humiliating examination to ascertain his Jewish identity. Nerva later mitigated the tax's hardships by addressing its abuses and easing collection requirements, as reported by Dio Cassius, for those who maintained their traditional customs.
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Starting price: € 4000.00
