The answer is: Silver

Matthew 26:15

Judas Iscariot's acceptance of silver coins for betraying Jesus is one of the most striking and tragic moments in the New Testament. Often depicted as the ultimate betrayal, the amount, traditionally noted as thirty pieces of silver, isn't just a scant fee; it has layers of meaning and historical context. Interestingly, the scripture echoes back to the book of Exodus. The price reflects the value of a slave’s life, a significant detail that scrutinizes Judas’s commitment to Jesus and the importance of human worth.

In using silver—an image of wealth and corruption—Judas illustrates a powerful message about temptations that can lead to which decisions. Silver remains a symbol throughout the Bible: on one side, it represents wealth, but on the other, greed and moral decay. The phrase "thirty pieces of silver" has transcended cultural boundaries, often used to describe cost of betrayal in literature and storytelling.

Moreover, this event was prophesied long before, showing a remarkable connection and echo in biblical literature. Zechariah 11:12-13 speaks of a shepherd being paid thirty pieces of silver, offering profound layers of meaning about fate and prophecy concerning the Messiah. When we understand these connections, we see not merely a tale of betrayal, but a dramatic backdrop that resonates through history, inviting us to ponder the nature of loyalty, sacrifice, and the immense value of integrity.