Shekel

Shekel (or sheqel) refers to one of many ancient units of weight.

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The first known usage is from Mesopotamia around 3000 BC.

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It most commonly refers to an ancient Hebrew unit of weight. As with many ancient units, the shekel represented a variety of values depending on date, domain and region. Sources quote weights between 9 and 17 grams and values of 11, 14, and 17 grams are common. It can be a gold or silver coin equal in weight to one of these units, especially the chief silver coin of the Hebrews.

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Silver Tyrian shekels are thought to be the infamous "30 pieces of silver" in the New Testament.

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More recently, the shekel also refers to currency of the modern state of Israel, implemented in 1980 to replace the Israeli Pound, see New Israeli Sheqel article.

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Mesopotamia: :For other uses see Mesopotamia (disambiguation)....

3000 BC: REDIRECT 30th century BC...

Hebrew: The word Hebrew can variously mean:...