As a gift, a Bible era collectible, and an ancient rare coin, few objects can surpass the finely detailed design, large size, and exceptional state of preservation of these Shekels of Tyre. Unique Coins in Biblical History Silver Shekels were issued by the Phoenician city of Tyre between 126 BC and 66 AD. These large 90% pure silver coins became the standard silver coinage in the Phoenician-Judaean area, replacing the Greek coins of Alexander the Great. They are mentioned often in the Bible, further adding to their interest as important collector pieces. These are, in our opinion, the most significant of all Biblical coins for both Jews and Christians. Finely Detailed Silver Coins The obverse of each Shekel coin features the graven image of Melkart (Baal), the god of the Canaanites and Phoenicians. The reverse shows an Egyptian-style eagle with its right claw resting on a ship's rudder, a club associated with Hercules, the Greek inscription "Tyre, the Holy and Inviolable" and a date. Jerusalem Temple Tax Paid in Shekels The Jews had no silver coins of their own throughout the period of the minting of Tyrian shekels and half shekels. But, at the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, taxes were specified to be paid in shekels. The annual Temple Tax for males 20 or older was specified as half a shekel. During this era, the Ten Commandments prohibited the use of graven images on coins: "You shall have no other gods beside Me. You shall not make for yourself a sculptured image or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on earth below, or in the waters under the earth." Despite this commandment, Temple Priests in Jerusalem during Jesus' time prescribed that taxes be paid in Shekels. In Mathew 21:12, "Jesus went into the temple of God, and ... overthrew the tables of the moneychangers." No doubt, the bankers were trading in Shekels of Tyre exactly like these we’re offering today. Judas Received 30 Shekels of Silver The Shekel is believed by historians to be the coinage Judas received as his 'thirty pieces of silver' for the betrayal of Christ. The legendary silver Shekels of Tyre are coins cherished as rare surviving artifacts dating back over 2,000 years to the time of Christ. There is no other artifact or piece of Biblical history we’ve ever offered to come close to these coins. The historical Shekel of Tyre coins were hand struck between (138-126 B.C.) Each one has been individually examined by independent Ancient coin experts who have certified their authenticity. Each one is guaranteed to be in exceptionally high quality, Genuine condition by NGC, the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. Extremely Limited Quantity As a conversation piece and important collectible from the time of Christ, these Silver Shekels of Tyre have no equal. In fact, we were quite surprised they weren't trading at many times the price we're offering them today. We must offer all Shekels first come, first served. Order now to avoid disappointment. |
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