Authentic Ancient “Widow’s Mite” Biblical Coin
Widows Mite Coin (premium) $65
Ancient Biblical Bronze Coin dating more than 2000 years (103 – 76 BCE)
Own a piece of real history!
This authentic 2000+ year old small coin known as a “lepton”, was issued by King Alexander Janneus of Judea and was the lowest valued coin in use during the lifetime of Jesus Christ. The contribution of two such small coins was given by a poor widow to the Temple. Found at archaeological excavations in Jerusalem.
The Lesson of the widow’s mite is presented in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4), in which Jesus is teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Gospel of Mark specifies that two mites (Greek lepta) are together worth a quadrans, the smallest Roman coin. A lepton was the smallest and least valuable coin in circulation in Palestine, worth about six minutes of an average daily wage. In the story, a widow donates two small coins, while wealthy people donate much more. Jesus explains to his disciples that the small sacrifices of the poor mean more to God than the extravagant donations of the rich.
Witnessing the donations made by the rich men, Jesus highlights how a poor widow donates only two mites, the least valuable coins available at the time. But, Jesus observes, this sum was everything she had to her name, while the other people give only a small portion of their own wealth.
The traditional interpretation of the passage is that God accounts the value of a gift not by how much is given, but by how much is kept back. The value of a gift to God, is determined by the nature of the intention of giving rather than what the gift can actually accomplish. Hence, the poor widow is counted as having given a great gift, having kept nothing for herself, while those who give out of their abundance but keep plenty for themselves are counted by God as having given very little. While the passage may or may not be an encouragement to live in poverty, it is certainly an encouragement to give generously.
Licensed antiquity excavated from Jerusalem, Israel
Each bronze coin uniquely hand-struck using crude minting tools from ancient times
This coin hand-picked from a huge lot for its quality, patina, and overall appeal
MUCH NICER THAN USUALLY ENCOUNTERED!!
The symbols often used:
anchor, a symbol of commerce
eight-rayed star, symbolizing heaven
Greek and Ancient Jewish lettering can be found on some of these coins as issued – inscription of the first Jewish King and High Priest, Alexander Janneus
Some coins may still exhibit earth deposits from the Holy Land
Wonderful treasure as a keepsake or gift
Widows Mite Coin (premium) $65