The Silver Shekel Coin Value is $11.17 USD. In ancient times the value of a coin was roughly a function of its weight and the value of the metal. Most shekels were made of silver and approximately 11.5 grams. This function simply returns the current market value of a shekel of sliver in U.S. dollars.
A shekel is Biblical weight measurement that is approximately equal to 11.5 grams. It is also equal to 2 bekas which is also a Biblical unit. The unit shekel is referenced in the following passages: