Experts believe that the “30 pieces of silver” paid to Judas to betray Christ were Shekels from the biblical city of Tyre. These coins were minted individually by hand in Jerusalem during the time of Christ and would have been readily available. Many coins were destroyed or melted over the last 2,000 years, but a few remained in hidden hoards that have been recently discovered.

The Shekel of Tyre is represented in several Biblical and Talmudic references. It was the only coin accepted as payment for the annual Jewish temple tax. It was, therefore, the coin found in the mouth of a fish that was to be used by Jesus and his disciples to pay for the temple tax (Matthew 17: 24-27). Most famous of all, it was most certainly the silver coin used to pay Judas Iscariot his 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus found in Matthew 26: 14-15:

Then the one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot — went
to the Chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I hand him
over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.”

This is more than an ancient coin; it’s a unique and important artifact of the Biblical era that has survived nearly 2,000 years! It holds even more significance as one of the coins that led to Jesus’ betrayal. As such, it has character and value that go far beyond its price in dollars, making it a coveted centerpiece to any collection. Each coin comes with a fact-filled storycard, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a beautiful presentation box. We have a very limited supply of these famous coins, so order now.