“Crucifixion” Shekel

Triton XXII, Lot: 363. Estimate $1000. Sold for $6500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (23.5mm, 13.32 g, 12h). Dated CY 159 (AD 33/4). Head of Melkart right, wearing laurel wreath, [lion skin around neck] / Eagle standing left on prow; palm frond in background; to left, PNΘ (date) above club; to right, KP above monogram; Phoenician B between legs; TVPOV IE[PAΣ KAI AΣV]ΛOV around. DCA-Tyre 580 (same obv. die as illustration); Rouvier 2107 var. (monogram); RPC I 4663; HGC 10, 357; DCA 920; BMC 204 var. (same). In NGC encapsulation, 4282171-005, graded Ch XF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 4/5. Clear date.

According to the traditional chronology, this coin was struck in the year of Jesus' crucifixion.