The rendering "pieces of gold," as in (2 Kings 5:5) is very doubtful; and "shekels of gold") as designating the value of the whole quantity, not individual pieces is preferable. Coined money was unknown in Palestine till the Persian period.
PIECE OF GOLD
Meaning of PIECE OF GOLD in English
Smith's Bible English dictionary. Английский библейский словарь Смита. 2012