Phoenicia, Tyre. Silver Shekel (14.26 g), ca. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. CY 117 (11/0 BC). Laureate bust of Melkart right. Reverse: TYPOY IEPAΣ KAI AΣYΛOY, eagle standing left on prow, palm on far wing; in left field, date (PIς) and club; in right field, KP above monogram; between legs, beth. Hendin 6652; DCA Suppl. 286. Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $750 - UP
The reasoning behind attribution of the KP shekels to Jerusalem is inconclusive. The style and fabric is certainly different than the earlier Melkart / Eagle shekels from Tyre, but there is no set date when the style can be observed to have definitively changed, instead being one of gradual evolution. Additionally, Meshorer's mention that most examples of the KP shekels are found in Israel has not been substantiated, and in fact is disputed by some scholars, notably D. T. Ariel. However, it is certainly unusual and intriguing that final production of Tyrian shekels coincided with the outbreak of the First Jewish War.
Ex The David Karpeles Collection.