Widow's Mites Biblical Coins

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Widow's Mites of Mark 12-41

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow put more into the treasury than all the others. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." (Mark 12:41)

These coins are bronze lepta and prutot of Alexander Jannaeus, the Hasmonean King of Judaea from 103 to 76 B.C. Although these coins were minted long before Christ's lifetime, they were still in circulation during the first century A.D. Because the lepton and prutah were the lowest denomination coins that circulated in Jerusalem during Christ's lifetime, they are believed to be the coins referred to in the Biblical story of the poor widow. The lepton is the very smallest denomination and is probably the true "widow's mite." In fact, the lepton is probably the lowest denomination coin ever struck by any nation in all of history! Lepton and prutah were carelessly and crudely struck, usually off center and on small flans. Because they circulated for a long period, they are usually very worn. Legends are almost always unreadable. The actual size of a prutah is less than 1/2 inch in diameter. A lepton is usually about the same diameter as a pencil eraser.

Pair of Widow's Mite Lepton, minted by Alexander Jannaeus, King of Judaea, 103 - 76 B.C.

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow put more into the treasury than all the others. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

JD01348. Bronze lepton, Hendin 1152 or 1153, Jerusalem mint, 95 - 76 B.C.; obverse star of eight rays surrounded by diadem, crude barbaric style, sometimes surrounded by a barbaric blundered Aramaic inscription, King Alexander Year 25; reverse ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝ∆ΡΟΥ (barbaric and blundered), anchor upside-down in circle; typical condition for the type, worn, crude, irregular flans and most off center, partially uncleaned; TWO WIDOW'S MITES; $18.00 (�13.86)

Judaean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus (Yehonatan), 103 - 76 B.C.
	Unpopular, Jannaeus was pelted with citrons on Sukkot. Enraged, he killed some 6,000 citizens. A revolt erupted and rebels called on the Seleucid King Demetrius II for aid. Demetrius forced him into the mountains but then withdrew. Back in power, Jannaeus crucified 800 rebels forcing them to watch the slaughter of their wives and children from their crosses.

JD63779. Bronze lepton, Meshorer TJC L11, Hendin 1153 var. (barbaric), VF, weight 0.677 g, maximum diameter 13.2 mm, Jerusalem mint, 78 - 76 B.C.; obverse blundered crude anchor that looks like a cross; reverse blundered star; very unusual; $40.00 (�30.80)

Dealer Lot of 100 Widow's Mites
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LT00034. Lot, Dealer Lot of 100 Widow's Mites, worn, crude, irregular flans and most off center, anchor and star lepta (pural for lepton), genuine "Widow's Mites," these are a popular item for Christmas and Easter, may be partially uncleaned, patina may vary from the coins in the photo; SOLD Out of Stock!

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THE ANCHOR:THE ANCHOR WAS ADOPTED FROM THE SELEUCIDS, WHO USED IT TO SYMBOLIZE THEIR NAVAL STRENGTH. ANCHORS ARE OFTEN DEPICTED UPSIDE DOWN, AS THEY WOULD BE SEEN HUNG ON THE SIDE OF A BOAT READY FOR USE.
THE STAR: THE STAR SYMBOLIZE HEAVEN.�
THE DIADEM:� THE DIADEM SYMBOLIZED ROYALTY

Catalog current as of Tuesday, June 18, 2013.
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