Ancient Judean Bronze Coin: "Widow's Mite" (Ca. 135 BC – AD 29)
Historical Overview
Minted during the Hasmonean Dynasty through the Herodian Period and Roman procuratorships in Judea, these small bronze coins—known anciently as prutot (singular: prutah) or lepta—are among the most famous coins of the ancient world. They represent the everyday currency circulating in Jerusalem and surrounding regions during the Second Temple period and the ministry of Jesus.
The coin earned its biblical renown from the Gospel of Mark (12:41–44) and Gospel of Luke (21:1–4) in the story of the Widow's Mite, where Jesus commends a poor widow for giving her last two small bronze coins to the Temple treasury, demonstrating that true sacrifice is measured by the heart rather than monetary value.
Item Specifications
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Attribution: Ancient Judean Bronze Prutah / Lepton
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Date Range: Circa 135 BC – AD 29 (Hasmonean to Early Roman Procurator Period)
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Denomination: Prutah / Lepton ("Widow's Mite" Type)
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Metal: Ancient Bronze
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Origin: Judea / Ancient Jerusalem
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Authentication: Authenticated by Government-Authorized Antiquities Dealer (Item No. 23)
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Holder / Packaging: Securely mounted inside a protective display card detailing its historical and biblical significance.
"An authentic piece of biblical history. Struck in Judea between 135 BC and AD 29, this ancient bronze coin is the iconic 'Widow's Mite' type referenced in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. Circulated throughout Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, this genuine antiquity comes mounted in an informative display card with certification from a government-authorized antiquities dealer (No. 23). An essential piece for ancient coin collectors, historical displays, or a deeply meaningful gift."
