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Half Tyre Shekel, golden Pendant. 14K.
Half Tyre Shekel, golden Pendant. 14K.
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Size:- Diameter= 2 cm. 0.7 inch.
Tyrian shekels, tetradrachms, or tetradrachmas were coins of Tyre, which in the Roman Empire took on an unusual role as the medium of payment for the Temple tax in Jerusalem, and subsequently gained notoriety as a likely mode of payment for Judas Iscariot.
In the latest standard, which was also the one used for the temple tax, the coins bore the likeness of the Phoenician god Melqart or Baal, accepted as the Olympian Herakles by the Greeks and derided as Beelzebub by Jews in the time of the Seleucids, wearing the laurel reflecting his role in the Tyrian games and the ancient Olympic Games.
They also bore the Greek inscription "ΤΥΡΟΥ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ", i.e. "of Tyre the holy [city] and [city] of refuge". The coins were the size of a modern Israeli half-shekel and were issued by Tyre, in that form, between 126 BC and 56 AD. Earlier Tyrian coins with the value of a tetradrachm, bearing various inscriptions and images, had been issued beginning in the latter half of the fifth century B.C.
After the Roman Empire closed down the mint in Tyre, the Roman authorities allowed the Jewish rabbanim to continue minting Tyrian shekels in Israel, but with the requirement that the coins should continue to bear the same image and text to avoid objections that the Jews were given autonomy.[3] They were replaced by the First Jewish Revolt coinage in 66 AD.
The Tyrian shekels were considered tetradrachms by the Greeks, as they weighed four Athenian drachmas, about 14 grams, more than earlier 11-gram Israeli shekels but regarded as an equivalent for religious duties at that time.[4] Because Roman coinage was only 80% silver, the purer (94% or more) Tyrian shekels were required[5] to pay the temple tax in Jerusalem.
The money changers referenced in the New Testament Gospels (Matt. 21:12 and parallels) exchanged Tyrian shekels for common Roman currency.
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"At Hamedian Gallery, our journey spans over 35 years of dedication to excellence in the world of antiquities. Through hard work, passion, and the support of our valued customers, we've achieved remarkable milestones that have shaped our reputation as a trusted source for rare and authentic treasures.
Our breakthroughs in the industry have been fueled by the countless friendships and partnerships we've cultivated along the way. These relationships have not only enriched our collection but have also allowed us to expand our offerings to include a diverse array of items, from Icons and pottery to ancient coins, statues, and carpets.
One of our proudest achievements came when the Israeli Antiquities Authority and The Ministry of Tourism granted us authorization to sell a wide range of antiquities, affirming our commitment to authenticity and integrity. This milestone opened doors to new opportunities, leading to partnerships with international companies and participation in prestigious auctions worldwide.
What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to authenticity. Every item in our gallery is accompanied by a legal certificate from the Israeli Antiquities Authority, and our inventory is meticulously cataloged and classified by the Israeli Museum. This ensures that our customers can shop with confidence, knowing they are acquiring genuine pieces of history.
To our esteemed customers, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your trust and support. Thank you for allowing us to share our passion for antiquities with you. We invite you to explore our gallery and discover the timeless treasures that await."