135–37 BC Ancient Widows Mite Maccabean Bronze Prutah NGC Choice XF

Relive The Lesson Of The Widow's Mite

The Widow's Mite is perhaps the most fascinating of the New Testament coins. The "mite" or "prutah" was the smallest of the bronze coins of the Jews and are frequently mentioned in the New Testament manuscripts. The most famous text from Mark 12:41-44 reads:

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 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."

Coins From The Reign Of The Maccabeans

This coin was struck in Jerusalem between 135 and 37 BC during a time when the Maccabeans had seized control of Judea. Originally a priestly clan of Jewish Rebel warriors, the Maccabeans not only wrested control of the region from the Seleucid Empire, they also revived Judaism throughout their kingdom. Still in circulation during the time of Jesus, these bronze coins are incredibly popular among collectors. And while most are sold in very poor condition, we've managed to locate a number of collector-quality bronze prutahs graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as being in Choice Extremely Fine (CH XF) condition.

Imagine holding this coin in your hand and retelling the story Jesus told more than 2000 years ago! Order yours now and relive the lesson of the Widow's Mite. It's sure to make a fantastic addition to your collection!