The first Hebrew shekel minted in 66 CE represents what seems to be
an experimental and consequently limited issue. The chalice and the
branch with three pomegranates are encircled by a border of dots which
will disappear in consequent issues. Only two exemplars of this coin
type are known. Shekels were not minted in large quantities until
the second version received the approval of the minting authorities.
This second version is the one commonly known today.