This is a very special coin—the half shekel struck the year of Christ’s crucifixion.

The coin features on the obverse a portrait of Melkart, the Punic equivalent of the Greek hero Heracles (Hercules). Its reverse shows an eagle with a palm branch over its shoulder, standing on the prow of a ship. Additionally, in the reverse field there are various control symbols and a date represented by one or more Greek letters.

With such a long-running series, it is only natural that some dates within the series would take on an added historical significance for collectors of ancients. For example, we have featured the "Millennium Shekel,” which was struck in BC 1 and AD 1” ---Jesus’ birth year.

The most sought after and coveted date in the series is the "Crucifixion Shekel or 1/2 Shekel". While both are extremely rare, the 1/2 Shekel comes to market much less. This coin was Issued in the civic year 159, or AD 33/4. Following traditional chronologies, this is the year in which Jesus was crucified by the Procurator Pontius Pilate. Like the Lifetime shekel, this piece commands a substantial premium and is sought after in any condition. Real buyers have searched for years to own this rarer 1/2 Shekel. Coin shown is the exact coin you will receive. This example has been awarded the STAR designation from NGC Ancients, implying that it has exceptional eye appeal, which it certainly does.