350 BCE

Yehud Coin

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In this picture is a silver quarter shekel coin dating back to 350 BCE with a lily, and the letters Yud Hey Dalet, spelling "Yehud" on the reverse side. This refers to the Persian Province Yehud Medinata, or the State or Province of Judea. Only a small number of coins were discovered, seemingly minted by a self-governing authority. This, together with the lack of Persian symbols, strongly indicates a great autonomy granted to the Jews by the Persians.

The design of the modern-day shekel was based on this ancient coin.

Yehud Coin
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
© The Israel Museum, Jerusalem by Yair Hovav
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Yehud Coin (reverse)
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
© The Israel Museum, Jerusalem by Yair Hovav

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Overview

Persian silver quarter shekel with a lily on one side, and the reverse stamped, "YHD." At this time, Israel Is Known As the Persian Province "Yehud Medinata" meaning "Judea."