Shekel

"Weight, the common standard both of weight and value among the" "Hebrews. It is estimated at 220 English grains, or a little more" "than half an ounce avoirdupois. The "shekel of the sanctuary" (Ex. 30:13; Num. 3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs (Ezek. 45:12). "There were shekels of gold (1 Chr. 21:25), of silver (1 Sam." "9:8), of brass (17:5), and of iron (7). When it became a coined" "piece of money, the shekel of gold was equivalent to about 2" "pound of our money. Six gold shekels, according to the later" "Jewish system, were equal in value to fifty silver ones." "The temple contribution, with which the public sacrifices were "bought (Ex. 30:13; 2 Chr. 24:6), consisted of one common shekel," "or a sanctuary half-shekel, equal to two Attic drachmas. The" "coin, a stater (q.v.), which Peter found in the fish's mouth" "paid this contribution for both him and Christ (Matt. 17:24," "27). A zuza, or quarter of a shekel, was given by Saul to Samuel" (1 Sam. 9:8).