Most of us have heard the story of how Jesus Christ was betrayed by Judas in return for 30 pieces of silver. But did you know that because of the circumstances of the time, we can determine with reasonable certainty the actual type of coin he was paid with? The money was paid by the Jewish elders from the temple treasury, which would accept only the silver coinage of Tyre as pure enough to be acceptable. So it is generally accepted that the coins received by Judas were Tyrian silver coins.

According to the New Testament, Jesus expelled the money changers from the Temple. The reason for them being there in the first place was to exchange Tyrian silver coinage for whatever coins a visitor to the Temple might have had. This is an example of the silver coinage of Tyre. It was minted circa 95/94 BC, and most likely would have still been in circulation during the time of Christ. This coin would have circulated as a shekel. It is in especially nice condition The obverse of this type depicts the laureate head of the Phoenician God Melqarth, who was the God of the city of Tyre. It is quite interesting to note that the depiction of a pagan deity did not seem to be a problem for the Jews in accepting these pieces, despite the ban on the use of graven images.

But of course, what I find most interesting about this type is its association with Judas Iscariot. One looks at such a piece and wonders whether it might have actually been one of the 30 pieces of silver he received. Of course, no one can prove that any individual piece like this was, but on the other hand, it would be difficult to disprove as well.