A very interesting discussion.However, 7 years ago. I would like to re-open this topic. I wonder if there is new knowledge, fresh insights, new sources etc.
In the former discussion, I missed the connection between the
Tyrus Shekel (minted until Year 191 65/66 AD) and its successor for paying
temple tax, the new revolutionary Jerusalem Temple
Shekel, minted in Jerusalem from 66 AD until the the fall of Jerusalem by the
roman legions (70 AD).
Obviously, the zelotic rebels rejected the pagan
Tyrus shekel with the god Melkart. They replaced it by the "pure"
Shekel (from a
jewish religious point of view). Was it difficult at that time (even in a war period) to set up a
complete new minting infrastructure for minting silver coins? Or was the conquered Jerusalem
mint of the
Tyrus shekel used by the
jewish rebels? This more plausible assumption would support the
Meshorer´s theory.