This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/21/2006.
This AR Tetradrachma silver coin was minted in Tyre Phoenecia between 126 BC to 70 AD. This was the only coin accepted in the Temples of Jerusalem. Also known as a "shekel of Tyre," it is believed to be the most likely denomination candidate for the "30 pieces of silver" paid to Judas for betraying Christ. Features a laureated head of Melqarth on the front. Melqarth was a god held in high esteem by the Carthaginians, and was identified with Hercules by the Greeks. He was originally a marine deity similar to Poseidon and was the lord of the mother city of Tyre. The reverse features a left-facing eagle standing on the bow of a ship. Encapsulated and graded ICG-EF40.