Help in Identifying a "Shekel" Coin? Answered - Solved
Intueor
Posts: 310 ✭✭✭✭
I put this out on the World & Ancient Coins Forum (https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1010600/help-in-identifying-a-shekel#latest) yesterday but only got one comment. Did not seem to generate much interest 
. Posters on this forum seem to have an extensive knowledge of all coins so I am re-posting the request on this forum.
I have had this piece around in my collection for decades. I think it is a Shekel replica but I am not even sure if "Shekel" is the correct term. It is struck in “Medal” format, 1.5 inches or ~38mm in diameter, .0525cm thick, and 0.37oz or ~11.5gr, gold colored metal. I do not have Nitric Acid so I cannot test for gold. However:
- 1.5in = 3.81 cm / 2 = 1.905cm
- Volume = 1/3 × π × .0525 × (1.9052 + 1.905 × 1.905 + 1.9052) = 0.598 centimeters3
- 0.598 cm3 = 0.37 troy ounces
- 0.37 troy ounces = 11.5 grams of 24k gold
A volume of 24k gold to these exact dimensions does equal 0.37 ozt. This does not mean it is gold, it just may mean it was replicated to imitate gold. The hole drilled through the piece shows that it is a solid metal of a gold color and not plated. I vaguely remember that there is an old Jewish custom that, during the wedding, the groom gives the bride a ceremonial coin or medallion. Nowadays, it is a ring.
Can anyone identify this specimen?
This is a High-Resolution JPG so click on it to get a detailed image.
Please excuse my ignorance in this area of collecting. Thanks for any help.
Comments
So the ole coinoscope app says it resembles a shekel but not exactly. You need to do some research. Peace Roy
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Kudos to my wife- The hebrew lettering on this was really hard to identify... These are "false shekels"
https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=21485
Very interesting history
liderman.co.il/image.ashx?i=638741.pdf&fn=681436-Genuine%20Imitations.pdf
Lite-side has a lot more action.
What you have is whats called a "false Shekel"
Google it or use the references linked above by @joebb21. Thing is its plugged so that hole won't get it much of interest, $-wise.
It has been sold in the past, I have seen nice one's offered in William Rosenblum's sales in the '90's, and onward.
edited for spelling after I put down my bourbon.
Thank you all so much! You showed those "Ancient" guys up!
Great work!