The answer is: 20

Gen 37:28

In the tale of Joseph, not only do we witness a family drama like no other, but we also catch a glimpse of Israelite economics in action! Sold for 20 shekels of silver, Joseph's price reflects sociocultural dynamics of ancient times. It's intriguing to note that the value of a slave was distinct during this era, suggesting that Joseph was worth quite a bit in terms of labor or potential.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper! Twenty shekels might not seem like a bar of gold, but it wasn't a trivial amount, either. In today’s terms, it's fun to think of it as Joseph being worth several hundred dollars at least. He was quite the youthful dreamer and did possess that revered coat of many colors, after all!

This moment also echoes waves of family betrayal in biblical literature; Joseph's brothers allowed jealousy to cloud their morality, leading to Aaron sacrificing his children’s dreams just like Isaac laid claim to all of Abraham's blessings when he died. This emphasizes the emotional weight behind mere numbers—we should remember that the story is about familial ties torn apart by ambition and jealousy.

As Joseph journeyed to Egypt, brought there on a caravan that would ultimately lead him toward greatness, it becomes evident that those dark moments often precede incredible transformation, a narrative thread woven throughout the scriptures that we can reflect upon even today.