Ancient Greek – Silver Shekel of Phoenecia, Tyre
Obv: Laureate head of Melkart to right.
Rev: ΤΥPΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ, eagle standing to left on prow, palm behind; AΛ (date) above club to left, monogram to right, Phoenician letter Bet between legs.
Dated CY 31 = 96/95 BC. · Phoenicia, Tyre · HGC 10, 357, DCA Tyre 112; DCA 919
Weight: 14g · Diameter: 32mm
Shekels of Tyre were the only currency accepted at the Jerusalem Temple for payment of the temple tax, and feature in many important biblical passages.
Jesus & the Money Lenders: John 2:13-22; Mt 21:12-13
The coin Peter retrieved from the fishes mouth: Mt 17:27
The 30 Pieces of Silver paid to Judas: Mt 26:15