Shekel

Shekel originally a Jewish weight, and afterwards a gold and silver coin adapted in some manner to the purposes of exchange, although it bore no impression. The Hebrew talent (kikkar) contained 60 maneh, and there were 50 shekels in a maneh. The Maccabees were the first Jewish rulers to issue money in the strict sense of the word. Their silver shekels weighed about 220 grains troy, and were worth a little more than two shillings,