Ancient Judean coins bronze Very nice "Widow's Mite" prutah, Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BC), Judea

Partially seen BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEXANΔΡOY around an anchor // Wheel with 8 ray-like spokes, Hebrew inscription 'Yehonatan the King', between. 14.5mm, 1.33 grams. Jerusalem mint. Hendin 469, Meshorer 8.

These coins got the name because they are tiny and the lowest denomination of the day, these coins were the spare change of the poor. When bible translators described them they gave them the name mite. In the Bible (Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1), Jesus is touched by the humble gift of a widow who gives two small coins as a contribution (mites) knowing this is a proportionally much larger sacrifice than the gifts of the rich. 

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