The First Temple Tax Coin

87 BCE

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The Bible mentions different tithes or taxes that the People of Israel had to give, including tithes to priests, the poor and for the upkeep of the Temple. One of these was the command that every Jewish male over the age of 20 give a half-shekel coin for communal needs, such as maintaining the Temple and salaries for judges. The money collection started on the 1st of Adar and finished on the 1st of Nissan, in preparation for the Jewish people’s ascent to Jerusalem during Passover.

Exodus 30:13

Each one… is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary weight… half shekel as an offering to the L-rd.

In the mid-second century BCE, the Hasmoneans formalized the payment. The first coin to be specified as acceptable payment for the Temple tax levied was the “Shekel of Tyre.” The coin was probably used for its recognized metal purity grade and weight. It was in circulation from 125 BCE until the outbreak of the Great Revolt in 66 CE.

In this picture is a Shekel Coin made of Tyrian Silver, circa 87/86 BCE

Tyrian Silver Shekel Coin
Biblical Archaeology Society
Sandy Brenner

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Overview

Biblical tithes or "taxes" included the annual half-shekel coin every Jewish male had to bring. In the mid-second century BCE, the Hasmoneans formalized the payment.

The first coin to be specified as acceptable payment for the Temple tax levied was the “Shekel of Tyre.” The coin was probably used for its recognized metal purity grade and weight. It was used from 125 BCE until the outbreak of the Great Revolt in 66 CE.