AR HALF SHEKEL OF TYRE, "TEMPLE TAX"
Hendin 6651, DCA 921 (Rated R1), About Extremely Fine, 21.2mm, 6.99 grams
Obverse: Laureate head of Melqart, wearing knotted lionskin around neck
Reverse: Eagle standing left with right foot on prow of ship, palm branch over rt. shoulder, AM date (41 = 86/85 B.C.E.) over club in field to left, surrounded by inscription TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY (OF TYRE THE HOLY AND INVIOLABLE), Δ in right field
A LOVELY coin, SHARP and struck on excellent metal with soft luster and golden highlights!
The Silver of Tyre were the purest in the world at 97% - 99% silver and were thus the only coins accepted for the payment of the Temple Tax in Jerusalem.
EX: VTM collection, Teaneck, NJ, Formed 1970's - early 2000's. Purchased from William Rosenblum.
