Coins of Jesus is a virtual exhibition that highlights Judeo-Christian coinage in the Numismatics Collection of Nickle Galleries, covering a unique geographic area and a historic period of cultural and ideological diversity. Beginning with Persian Imperial coins and Phoenician shekels, the exhibition presents Jewish, Judeo-Roman, Roman Christian and Byzantine coinage, concluding with Islamic and Medieval money – an intellectually and artistically rewarding journey.
Exhibition curated by Marina Fischer from the Numismatic Collection of Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary
The first coin to portray Christ. Gold tremissis of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian II, 685-695. NG. 1990.4.93. Collection of Nickle Galleries.
Jewish silver shekel from Year 2 of the First Jewish-Roman War. 3 pomegranates/Chalice and ancient Hebrew inscription “Shekel of Israel,” Jerusalem, 67. Collection of Nickle Galleries. Photo: Ryan Blades.Jewish silver shekel from Year 2 of the First Jewish-Roman War. 3 pomegranates/Chalice and ancient Hebrew inscription “Shekel of Israel,” Jerusalem, 67. Collection of Nickle Galleries. Photo: Ryan Blades.Silver shekel with god Ba’al on obverse. Used for the payment of Jewish Temple Tax and referenced in the New Testament. Tyre, Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon), ca. 100 BCE. NG.1990.1.137. Collection Nickle Galleries.
