Phoenicia, Tyre, AR tetradrachm "shekel of Tyre," dated CY 159 (AD

Phoenicia, Tyre, AR tetradrachm "shekel of Tyre," dated CY 159 (AD 33/4), "Crucifixion Shekel." Rouvier 2107 var (monogram, Phoenician letter); BMC 204 var (same); RPC I 4663; HGC 10, 357; DCA 920. 14.12 grams. Bust of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow, palm frond over right wing; to left, PNΘ (date) above club; to right, KP above monogram; Phoenician A between legs; TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY around. Bust slightly off-center with interesting orangish toning on both sides. Eagle retains much detail. Choice AU, which many collectors will appreciate as showing slight circulation during Jesus' time. Shekels of Tyre were accepted as payment for the temple tax at Jerusalem, and are generally thought to have made up the "thirty pieces of silver" that Judas received for betraying Jesus. Pedigreed to the Triton XVI Auction of January 2013, lot 566.
($2000-4000)