¼ Shekel - Delayah Samaria 539 BC - 332 BC
| Silver | 3.63 g | - |
| Issuer | Satrapy of Samaria (Achaemenid Satrapies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 539 BC - 332 BC |
| Value | ¼ Shekel |
| Currency | Shekel (539-332 BCE) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.63 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#98609 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
ד, (d) above winged sphinx with head of Persian king left, all in dotted square border
Lettering: ד
Translation: Delayah
Comment
The letter D could abbreviate the name Delayah, used in the Bible in the time frame of the sixth to fifth centuries BCE. It is also the name of one of Sanballat's sons mentioned in the Elephantine letters. He may have succeeded his father as governor early in the fourth century BCE. Meaning of the name is "healed by the Lord" as used in Psalms 30:2.David Hendin Guide to Biblical Coins Fifth Edition, p 108
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ¼ Shekel - Delayah (Samaria) coin is that it features an image of a lion, which was a symbol of the Achaemenid Empire, on one side, and an inscription in Aramaic on the other side, indicating that it was issued during the reign of King Darius I. This coin is a rare example of the currency used during the Achaemenid period and provides valuable insight into the economic and cultural exchange between different regions of the empire.
