1
Literal Translation / Primary Inscription
Epigraphic RecordGreek inscription reads: 'TYROY IERAS KAI ASYLOY' (Of Tyre, the Holy and Inviolable). Weighs approx. 14.2 grams of silver (shekel) and 7 grams (half-shekel / didrachma).
Tyrian Silver Shekel (Temple Tax Coin)
High-purity silver tetradrachm of Tyre required by the Sanhedrin for the annual Temple half-shekel tribute
Direct Archaeological Attestation 96%
c. 126 BC – 66 AD
Discovery Excavation: Minted in Tyre and Jerusalem; excavated throughout Jerusalem Temple Mount debris
Current Museum / Accession: Israel Museum, Jerusalem; British Museum, London
A heavy silver coin (approx. 14 grams, 94%+ pure silver) bearing the laureate head of Phoenician god Melqart/Herakles on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, mandated by temple authorities because of its unadulterated silver content.
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Corroboration Distribution for Connected Passages (45 records)
86% Confidence
45 sources
40%
33.33%
13.33%
Direct Archaeology 18 (40%)
Ancient Historians 15 (33.33%)
Dead Sea Scrolls & Manuscripts 6 (13.33%)
Scholarly Consensus 2 (4.44%)
Debated & Traditional 4 (8.89%)
Claim-by-Claim Epistemic Verification Breakdown
Rigorous 4-part empirical analysis separating ancient text from bias and consensus
2
Biblical Corroboration & Cross-References
Scriptural HarmonyThe exact coin required for the annual half-shekel temple tax (`MAT.17:24–27` where Peter finds a shekel/stater in the fish's mouth for two people), the currency of the moneychangers overturned by Jesus (`MAT.21:12`), and the 'thirty pieces of silver' paid to Judas (`MAT.26:15`).
Corroborated Passages:
3
Scholarly Debate, Historiography & Modern Consensus
Critical NuanceScholars note the religious irony: the Temple strictly prohibited graven images, yet accepted coins with the pagan head of Melqart because their high silver purity satisfied Levitical weight requirements.
4
Ancient Author Bias, Royal Propaganda & Perspective
Ideological ContextCommercial municipal currency reflecting Phoenician trade dominance and Jerusalem monetary pragmatism.
Corroborated Scripture Passages
Attested Figures & Kings
Excavations & Ancient Geography
Scholarly Editions & Critical Publications
- Meshorer, Y. (2001). A Treasury of Jewish Coins. Amphora.
- Hendin, D. (2010). Guide to Biblical Coins. 5th ed.