Ancient Judaean Widow’s Mite Bronze Coin – Biblical Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus

An ancient Judaean bronze prutah attributed to Alexander Jannaeus, the Hasmonean king and high priest who ruled Judaea from 103 to 76 B.C. Commonly known as the Widow’s Mite, this small bronze coin belongs to the monetary tradition associated with the biblical account of the poor widow who offered two small coins at the Jerusalem Temple.

Obverse: An eight-rayed star or wheel-like design within a circular border, with a central pellet and additional pellets near the ends of the rays. This characteristic design is associated with the bronze coinage of Alexander Jannaeus.

Reverse: A royal anchor surrounded by a partially preserved Greek inscription identifying King Alexander. The anchor, a prominent emblem of Hasmonean coinage, symbolized royal authority and the kingdom’s connections with the Hellenistic world.

Historical and Biblical Significance

The Widow’s Mite holds a special place in biblical history through its traditional association with the account recorded in the Gospels of Mark and Luke.

In Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4, Jesus observes a poor widow placing two small coins into the Temple treasury. Although their monetary value was insignificant, he praises her offering because she gave out of her poverty rather than her abundance.

The biblical text does not identify the exact coin type, but small bronze prutot of Alexander Jannaeus were among the coins circulating in Judaea during the late Second Temple period and are traditionally associated with this account.

Historical Importance

Alexander Jannaeus was one of the most influential rulers of the Hasmonean dynasty, expanding Judaea’s territory and consolidating its political independence before the Roman conquest.

His bronze coinage, featuring the star and anchor motifs, represents an important chapter in the monetary history of ancient Judaea. These modest coins circulated in everyday commerce and provide a tangible connection to the economic and religious life of the Jewish population during the centuries surrounding the birth of Christianity.

REFERENCE #

CO-JU-1010

CIVILIZATION

Judaea, Hasmonean Kingdom, Alexander Jannaeus, circa 103–76 B.C.

CONDITION

Ancient bronze with earthen deposits, dark patination, and age-related surface wear. The principal star and anchor motifs remain recognizable, with portions of the surrounding inscriptions preserved.

PRICE

$250