Widow's Mite (Lepton/Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus)
Country of Origin: Judaea (Hasmonean Kingdom)
Year of Issue: 103-76 BC
Denomination: Prutah (Often referred to as a Lepton)
Composition: Bronze
Brief Description
A small, crudely struck bronze coin featuring an anchor on the obverse and an eight-rayed star surrounded by a diadem on the reverse. The inscriptions are typically in Greek and Paleo-Hebrew.
Historical Significance
This coin is famously associated with the 'Lesson of the Widow's Mite' in the Christian New Testament (Mark 12:41-44), where Jesus praises a poor widow for donating two small copper coins, representing all she had to live on.
Estimated Value
$20 - $100 USD (Depends heavily on clarity of the anchor and star motifs)
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free archival flip or container in a dry environment. Avoid cleaning or polishing as the natural patina protects the ancient metal and maintains its numismatic value.
Created At: 2026-03-26T16:37:30.206180