183 Electrum

Museum Description: Electrum Half Stater and Stater

Room: 54/Case: 5/Number: C&M HPB, p174N.1, RPK, p161A.1

Scripture: Ezekiel 1:27

This coin is made from electrum, the metal that is used in the Bible to describe the very appearance of Jehovah God!  Electrum is an alloy of the two precious metals gold and silver, which can occur naturally.  It is special because, when it is heated in a furnace, it is said to have "a quivering beauty and a glowing yellow brilliance all of its own".  Even in its solid state as we can see here, the silver content gives a brightness that we do not see with solid gold, but the gold gives a depth of colour and richness you do not get with solid silver.  Electrum was used to make some of the first known coins, and since 1980 the medals awarded for the Nobel prizes have also been made of electrum plated with 24 carat gold.  We frequently refer to the vision of Jehovah heavenly chariot today, so it is useful to have an understanding of the materials that are described.