Ancient Judea – Alexander Jannaeus Prutah, 103–76 BC – Biblical “Widow’s Mite”
JUDAEA, HASMONEAN DYNASTY – ALEXANDER JANNAEUS (103–76 BC). Bronze Prutah (“Widow’s Mite”). Weight: 2.91 grams.
An authentic ancient bronze prutah from the reign of Alexander Jannaeus, king and high priest of the Hasmonean Kingdom of Judaea from 103 to 76 BC. These small bronze coins were struck in Jerusalem and are among the most recognizable coins associated with Biblical and Holy Land collecting. The British Museum and American Numismatic Society both record examples of Alexander Jannaeus prutot from this period.
The coin is popularly known today as a “Widow’s Mite.” This is a modern collecting term connecting these tiny Judean bronze coins with the Biblical story of the poor widow who gave two small coins at the Temple, described in the New Testament (Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4). Alexander Jannaeus' coins were minted decades before the time of Jesus, but examples of this type remained in circulation during the first century AD.
Typical design: Alexander Jannaeus prutot commonly show an eight-rayed star within a diadem on one side, with a Paleo-Hebrew inscription reading “Yehonatan the King,” while the other side features an anchor surrounded by the Greek inscription “BASILEOS ALEXANDROU” (“of King Alexander”).
Historical Background
Alexander Jannaeus was one of the most powerful rulers of the Hasmonean dynasty. His reign represents an important period of Jewish independence in ancient Judaea, shortly before the region came under increasing Roman influence.
This tiny coin would have been part of everyday commerce in the ancient Holy Land more than 2,000 years ago. Its connection with the Hasmonean kingdom and the later Biblical tradition makes it particularly appealing to collectors of Biblical coins, ancient Judaea, Jewish history, and Roman-era Holy Land artifacts.
Coin Details
- Ruler: Alexander Jannaeus
- Dynasty: Hasmonean
- Region: Judaea
- Date: 103–76 BC
- Denomination: Prutah
- Metal: Bronze / copper alloy
- Weight: 2.91 grams
- Mint: Jerusalem
- Period: Hellenistic / Hasmonean
- Popular name: Biblical “Widow’s Mite”
A wonderful piece of Biblical-era history — a small coin that once circulated in ancient Judaea more than two millennia ago.
Please study the photographs carefully for the exact condition, patina, surfaces, centering, and degree of detail visible on this individual specimen.
