The shekel of the sanctuary was the sacred shekel because it stood as the standard weight for all other shekels.  It was housed in the Tabernacle and later in the Jerusalem Temple.

“And all thy valuation shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel” (Lev. 27:25).

Correct weights and measurements were important to the ancient Hebrews, due to biblical commandments to be honest and correct with all dealings and payments.

The term shekel is designated for a coin used today in Israeli currency, containing 100 agorot. Although currency valuations fluctuate, one modern Israeli shekel (or New Sheqel) is roughly equivalent in value to one U.S. quarter. Click here to enlarge.