A Judean Widows Mite Biblical Coin set as a pendant, ca. 103 - 76 BCE

This tiny bronze coin, known as a Widow’s Mite is not Roman, but true Judean coins that was minted during the short period of Jewish history between the Old and New Testaments, when Israel was a self-governing nation. Called a Prutah, it was minted under the King and High Priest, Alexander Jannaeus. Such coins were minted between 103 -76 BCE and were still in circulation at the time of Christ.  The obverse shows a Star of eight pellets within a diadem, ancient Hebrew legend (YHONATHAN H MALEK) that translates to 'Alexander The King'.  The reverse depicts BASILEWS ALEXANDROU, around an anchor. The coin is set in a modern silver pendant with sterling silver chain.

The lesson of the widow's mite or the widow's offering is presented in two of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4), when Jesus is teaching in the Temple in Jerusalem: "Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on." Luke 21:1-4 

Medium: Bronze, silver

Dimensions: Coin diameter: 5/8 inch (1.59 cm). Strung on a 24-inch sterling silver chain.

Condition:  The coin is intact and in very good condition overall.  It has been modern set as a pendant using sterling silver and strung on 24 inch sterling silver chain.

Provenance:  Private New York collection.