Stone Tablet Engraved with Ten Commandments For $5 Million

By Damilola Adeleke

A stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments was sold for $5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The artifact, which weighs 115 pounds and is written in Paleo-Hebrew script, is believed to date back to between 300 and 800 CE. It was reportedly discovered in 1913 in present-day Israel during excavations for railway construction.

However, the tablet has stirred controversy over its authenticity. Experts noted that it contains only nine of the commandments and lacks comprehensive documentation from its initial discovery. Despite this, its significance was acknowledged when an archaeologist in Israel acquired it after recognizing its value.

The artifact was later showcased at the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn before being sold to a private collector. Sotheby’s highlighted that the tablet has been examined by leading scholars and referenced in multiple academic works.

Still, some researchers remain skeptical. Brian Daniels of the Penn Cultural Heritage Center expressed cautious optimism, saying, “Maybe it’s absolutely authentic.” Others, like Christopher Rollston of George Washington University, questioned the lack of verifiable evidence, noting the prevalence of forgeries in such artifacts.

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Despite these concerns, the auction attracted substantial interest, with bids surpassing expectations of $1-2 million to reach the final sale price of $5 million.

Damilola Adeleke

Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.