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135-40 BC Widows Mite Janeus Lepton in Mini Folder

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237961
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A Coin Out Of History, With A Story Out Of The Bible

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.

— Mark 12:41-44

Straight Out Of The Bible: One Of History’s Most Sought After Ancient Treasures

Such is the Lesson of the Widow’s Mite, one of the most sought after ancient treasures of all time. This widow’s mite from the Holy Land is more than 2,000 years old and circulated near the same time Jesus and the Apostles trod the dusty paths from Nazareth to Jerusalem and everywhere in between. In fact, every coin in this offer could have actually passed through the hands of the Apostles and the first Christians! Not only do collectors covet them, but the world's most important museums display them in their permanent collections. Their significance cannot be underestimated.

Bronze Leptons From The Reign Of Judea’s Brutal King Alexander Janeus

Most of the Widow’s Mites available here were struck more than 2 millennia ago during the reign of Judea’s King Alexander Janeus, the second ruler of the Hasmonean dynasty. Ascending to the throne in 103 BC when he was around 22 or 23, Janeus presided over what historians describe as the largest and strongest known Jewish State. Unfortunately for his subjects, Janeus was just as mean and cruel to them as he was to his enemies. From 83-80 BC he captured several cities, including Pella, which he had destroyed because its inhabitants refused to convert to Judaism. A ruthless tyrant, Janeus had many of his own subjects killed for their disapproval of his handling of state affairs, including the crucifixion of nearly 800 Pharisees — but not before he had their wives and children executed before their eyes while he watched, feasting with his harem of concubines. After a bloodthirsty reign of 27 years, Alexander succumbed in 76 BC to a fever at the age of 49 while besieging the city of Ragaba in northwestern Jordan. Hated by his own subjects, one can’t help but wonder if his “fever” was something more sinister…

The Mystery Behind The Design

These Widow’s Mites were known as Leptons, the smallest and least valuable coin used in ancient Judea. Each was struck in approximately 2 grams of bronze and weighed about the same as two paperclips. They were also individually hand struck by artisans, so no two are exactly alike. These bronze Leptons are easily recognizable for their design that shows a star with 8 rays radiating from it. This design was introduced during the reign King Janeus, and some historians believe it was meant to represent the growth Judea experienced under the rule of Janeus. Other theories suggest that the design may have been inspired by Eastern influences as Janeus attempted to expand his empire further east. The other side of the coin displays an image that is often described as an anchor.

Comes Displayed In An Informative Mini-Folder

Not only is it remarkable that any of these Lepton Widow’s Mites of Alexander Janeus survived, but you can secure one of these museum-quality ancient coins at an amazing price. Each comes displayed in a mini-folder with a Certificate of Authenticity that provides information about Alexander Janeus and the Widow’s Mite. Don’t miss this opportunity, order your piece of Biblical history today!

Availability Out of Stock
Country Ancient
Composition Bronze