Bible Dictionary
Stater
A stater was a Greek coin or monetary weight mentioned in Jesus’ instruction to Peter concerning the temple tax. It equaled four drachmas, or two didrachmas, and was commonly identified with a shekel.
Definition
A stater was a Greek coin or monetary weight. In the Gospel passage where it is mentioned, it is rendered “piece of money” in the Authorized Version and “shekel” in the Revised Version. It equaled two didrachmas or four drachmas.
Biblical Usage
Jesus instructed Peter concerning the temple tribute and directed him to find a stater in the mouth of a fish. The coin supplied the amount required for the payment.
Historical Background
The stater originally denoted a standard Greek weight equal to two drachmas and later designated the tetradrachma. Its approximate value in the supplied material is two shillings and sixpence.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Greek word rendered “piece of money” (Matt. 17:27, A.V.; and “shekel” in R.V.). It was equal to two didrachmas (“tribute money,” 17:24), or four drachmas, and to about 2s. 6d. of our money. (See SHEKEL.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Money]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sta'-ter (stater): Used only once, Mt 17:27, where it is rendered by "piece of money" in the King James Version and "shekel" in the Revised Version (British and American). It was originally a standard Greek weight equal to two drachmas, but later it was used to designate the tetradrachma, and this is probably the coin referred to in the above passage.</p><p>See MONEY.</p>