Phoenicia, Tyre Silver Shekel (126/5 BC-c.AD 67/8) - Money of the Bible Yr.87 (40/39 BC) - obv. Melkart/rv. Eagle on Prow NGC VF (Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5)

Why add this Silver Shekel struck in the ancient Phoenician City of Tyre to your collection?

The Silver Shekels of Tyre series was minted for almost two centuries, from the time that Tyre gained its independence from the Seleucid Empire in 125 B.C. until the First Jewish Revolt broke out circa A.D. 67/8 and the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple. The coins are meticulously dated with a code using an alpha-numeric system that assigns a number to each letter of the Greek alphabet, beginning with year one as 126/5 B.C.

This Silver Shekel, with a weight of 13.58 g, was struck at the Tyre Mint in year 87 of the series, 40/39 B.C. Known for being mentioned at least for times in the Holy Bible, Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee member Kenneth Bressett discussed the Shekel of Tyre in his book, Money of the Bible.

Impressive Phoenician craftsmanship

Patron deity of the Phoenician city of Tyre, the Phoenician god Melkart is depicted on the obverse. The reverse illustrates an eagle on a ship's prow, with the club Mint mark of Tyre and the date code to the left.

Very Fine Ancient Silver Shekel

This Phoenician City of Tyre Silver Shekel has been authenticated and graded Very Fine by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation's (NGC) ancient coin division, and encapsulated in a NGC holder with grading certification label. Additionally graded 4/5 for strike, and 3/5 for surface quality, the coin will exhibit obvious wear, with some definition of design elements, and flattening on all of the highest points. The coin is presented in a NGC protective holder accompanied by grading certification label.

This Silver Shekel of Tyre will make an impressive addition to your ancient coin collection!