Widow's Mite

The Widow’s Mite coin

These meaningful coins made into Widow’s Mite Jewelry pieces have been discovered on archaeological excavations in the Holy Land.

New Testament Coin from Jesus’ Time

Material: Bronze

Denomination: Prutah

Ruler: Alexander Jannaeus

Date: 95-76 B.C.

Mint: Jerusalem

This small bronze coin was made famous in Jesus’ parable of the Widow’s Offering (Mark 12, Luke 21).

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43-44)

In this story, the widow gives an offering of only two small coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Jesus valued her offering greater than all the others because she gave everything she had.

This coin was first minted by Alexander Jannaeus (76-103 B.C.), and was mass-produced in Jerusalem.

The front contains a star design. Paleo-Hebrew characters of Jehonatan (Alexander Jannaeus’ Hebrew name) between the rays. The back contains an anchor as a symbol of naval strength. This after conquering the philistine coastal cities with the Greek inscription reading, “King Alexander.”

These small coins were in circulation for a long duration, and were used as the small change in the first century A.D.. It is the smallest coin in use during Jesus’ time. This is therefore known as the “Widow’s Mite” from this New Testament parable.

Although this coin is small and unimpressive, it is a constant reminder of Jesus’ message. God values the heart and sacrifice of a person, not the outward standards of people.

Authentic ancient coin jewelry. All come with a certificate of authenticity from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

Shipped direct from Jerusalem.