The Masada coin is a prutah, bronze coin first minted during the time of the Jewish King Alexander Jannaeus, who ruled from 103-76 BCE. It was in circulation at the time of the First Revolt against the Romans of the Jews.

The obverse of the Masada coin carries an amphora (a narrow, two-handled vessel that was used to carry wine and oils) as well as the year of minting. The reverse carries a Hebrew inscription (not always legible) that means “The Freedom of Zion” as well as a small branch and a vine leaf.

Masada, basis of the reference to the Masada coin, was King Herod’s royal citadel. During the Jewish revolt it was the last outpost of the Zealots and the site where, from 66 to 73 CE, Jewish rebels elected to die rather than submit to capture by the Romans under Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, who captured Jerusalem and demolished the Second Temple in the year 70 CE.

A large store of Masada coins was discovered during an archaeological excavation at Masada, giving the prutah this name.

The history of the Masada coin goes back to Herod the Great, according to first century Jewish historian Josephus. From 37 to 31 BCE, Herod fortified Masada as a refuge for himself in the event of a revolt.

In the year 66 CE, at the start of the first Jewish-Roman War against the Romans, Jewish extremists called the Sicarii overcame a Roman garrison at Masada. After the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, a group of Zealots, and their families left Jerusalem and settled at Masada.

In 72, Roman governor of Judea Lucius Flavius Silva laid siege to Masada, and finally breached the wall of Masada in 73. At that time, the Romans discovered that the more than 900 inhabitants had committed mass suicide and set all the buildings except for the food stores on fire rather than face capture and slavery or execution under the Romans.

Masada coins are very important in Jewish history, and are treasured by Jews from the world over. Masada coins are made into several types of Masada coin jewelry, including rings, bracelets, pendants, tie clips, and cuff links, allowing the wearer to not only carry with him or her the amazing history of the Masada coin, but to also be reminded of the significance of Masada and the Masada coins from this very important time in Jewish history.