Coin collector Stephen Creswell snapped up what he thinks is a half shekel from Tyre - which dates back to 126BC - at an auction in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire.

The coins are believed by Biblical scholars to have been the same as those used to pay Judas Iscariot his 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus.

But one expert claims the coin is unlikely to be an original and believes Mr Cresswell might have a 'mock up'.

Professional numismatist Mike Vosper told MailOnline: 'I can confirm that this is not even a coin but either a contemporary forgery, although this is doubtful, or more like a modern mock up of a "coin" believed to be some kind of shekel.'

Mr Vosper, who runs Mike R Vosper Coins with his partner Viv, said it was the fabric of the coin and the fact that it has half its surface missing that gives it away.

Viv added: 'Some coins have surface deposits but nothing like that'.

Mr Cresswell started attending auctions as a teenager and said he loved their competitive nature.

He said: 'Bidding against other people is part way between placing a bet and taking part in a competition.

'I hate leaving any auction empty handed. My home is full of quirky objects that I've picked up along the way. Without doubt, the half shekel is my favourite so far.'

To read the complete article, see:
Was this one of the 30 pieces of silver that Judas betrayed Jesus for? Coin bought for just £29 could date back to 126BC(www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2977785/Was-one-30-pieces-silver-Judas-betrayed-Jesus-Coin-bought-just-29-date-126BC.html)