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Ancient Temple-tax coin found in Jerusalem

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli archaeologists in Jerusalem have unearthed a rare Tyre shekel coin that is believed to have been used by Jewish pilgrims to pay the Passover Temple tax during the Second Temple era, All Israel News reports. The discovery was made in the course of extensive conservation work on an ancient citadel known as the Tower of David in the Old City of Jerusalem.

In its report, AIN said the coin was accidentally found in a box of artifacts during excavation at the iconic citadel just inside the Jaffa Gate. Shekel coins of this type come from the ancient town of Tyre in present-day Lebanon. They were minted from around 125 BC until the Jewish Revolt against the Romans in 66 AD.

Discussing the find with AIN, Caroline Shapiro, director of International Public Relations & Strategic Communications for the Tower of David Museum said: “Every time physical evidence is discovered from thousands of years ago, it sheds more light on the ancient texts. Amit Re’em, Jerusalem District archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority describes it as if the text and physical evidence meet to shake hands.”

Given the local and worldwide interest in ancient Israel, the coin will be exhibited to the public. “They will be displayed in the new permanent exhibition of the history of Jerusalem when it opens in spring 2022,” Ms. Shapiro told AIN.

The Tower of David itself is a citadel that includes the site of King Herod’s ancient palace, where some historians and theologians believe the trial of Jesus Christ took place.