Before the epoch of the monarchy the prophet received a quarter of a shekel as a return for his services.
"The History of Antiquity, Vol. II (of VI)"
Max Duncker
Intellectual delight is my bribe for living, and though the bargain be a hard one, I shall endeavour to exact the last shekel which is my due.
"The Kempton-Wace Letters"
Jack London Anna Strunsky
There were not only cattle-dealers and sellers of pigeons, but also money-changers; for every Jew had to pay to the Temple treasury an annual tax of half a shekel, and this tax could be paid only in the sacred currency.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I"
Marcus Dods