The Shekel of Tyre is one of the ancient world's most historically charged silver coins, long connected by scholars to the "thirty pieces of silver" of the New Testament. This example was struck at Tyre in year 28 of the Tyrian era, corresponding to 99/8 BC. The city of Tyre was among Phoenicia's greatest trading powers, and its shekels circulated widely across the Levant and into Judaea.

The obverse presents a right-facing portrait of Melkart, the Phoenician city-god of Tyre, wearing a laurel wreath with bold, well-defined curls. The portrait carries strong device definition despite the noted brushing on the surfaces. The reverse shows an eagle standing left on the prow of a galley, a proud symbol of Tyrian maritime power, with a Phoenician legend and a palm branch visible to the right, along with a club and caduceus at lower left.

NGC grades this coin Extremely Fine, with Strike 4/5 and Surface 2/5; the lower surface score reflects brushing noted on the holder. The devices remain clear and the type is fully identifiable. The Shekel of Tyre draws interest from ancient coin collectors, Biblical history enthusiasts, and Phoenician specialists alike. For those seeking a certified, historically resonant example of this iconic Levantine type, this coin is a meaningful addition to any advanced collection. Because these were extensively circulated, most known survivors are heavily worn, however, the present example is very pleasing for the grade and is remarkably well centered on both sides. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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