Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)/Shekel

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 Nu 3:47 was equal to twenty gerahs Eze 45:12 There were shekels of gold 1Ch 21:25 of silver 1Sa 9:8 of brass 1Sa 17:5 and of iron 1Sa 17:7

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 2Ch 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 Mt 17:24,27 A zuza, or quarter of a shekel, was given by Saul to Samuel 1Sa 9:8