The First Hebrew Shekel

The Jewish War against Rome began in the summer of 66 CE. Silver shekels and half-shekels were minted in Jerusalem immediately after the outbreak of hostilities. This particular shekel was struck during the late summer/early fall of 66 CE. It is assumed to be the first coin type of the Jewish War, a prototype or pattern shekel for later issues. Only two exemplars of this experimental issue are known. The obverse of the coin depicts, within a border of dots, a Temple vessel surmounted by the letter aleph, standing for (Year) I = 66 CE, and surrounded by the inscription "Shekel of Israel." The reverse features, within the dotted border, a stem of three pomegranates, surrounded by the inscription "Jerusalem is holy." The first motivation to strike coinage was political: autonomous minting suggested independence. The striking of Hebrew shekels was thus a declaration of both war and political sovereignty. The second motivation was primarily internal and theological; silver shekels were still required for the payment of the annual tribute to the Temple in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that the shekel was originally not a coin, but a measure of weight as mentioned in the Bible: 'Abraham accepted Ephron's terms. Abraham paid out to Ephron the money that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites - four hundred shekels of silver, at the going merchants' rate.' (Genesis 23:16)