Test Cuts on Philistian Rb‘ Sheqels / Quarters: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper examines the main objective of test cuts on Philistian quarters. As opposed to the
common view that considers test cuts as the examination of the silver content and/or quality of
coins during transactions, it is hereby suggested that test cuts were intended to validate these
issues by officials on behalf the minting authorities right after their production and before
putting them into circulation.