Numismatic

Judaea Widow's Mite Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BC) NGC VG

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Dating back to the period from 103 to 76 BC, this ancient bronze coin is a remarkable survivor from Judaea. Known widely as a Widow's Mite, this small denomination is an AE Prutah, minted during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus. It holds a distinct place in cultural history, as these very coins remained in active circulation during the lifetime of Jesus Christ. The physical design of this humble bronze piece features an anchor surrounded by pellets on the obverse side. On the reverse, a central star design is visible. These simple yet powerful symbols reflect the local artistry of the era, preserved through the centuries on a coin that has been certified in Very Good condition. This specific coin type is famously associated with the biblical passages in Mark 12 (verses 41 to 44) and Luke 21 (verses 1 to 4). These texts recount the story of a poor widow who gave her last two small copper coins to the temple treasury, making this modest bronze piece a fascinating object of study for those interested in ancient history and literature.