Biblical Judea Bronze Coin | Widow's Mite

The coin commonly referred to today as the "Widow’s Mite" was originally a small bronze denomination known as a prutah, minted during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus, a Hasmonean king and high priest who ruled Judea from 103 to 76 BCE. These coins were produced in enormous quantities and circulated widely throughout Judea during a period of political consolidation and expansion. Alexander Jannaeus was a member of the Hasmonean dynasty, a priestly line that rose to power following the successful revolt of the Maccabees against Seleucid rule in the second century BCE. Under his reign, Judea expanded its borders and sought to assert greater independence, although this was often accompanied by brutal internal strife, especially between rival Jewish sects such as the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The prutot minted by Jannaeus featured symbols that were acceptable under Jewish religious constraints, which prohibited graven human or animal images. On these coins, the obverse typically depicted a star—usually an eight-rayed symbol within a diadem or circle—while the reverse bore an anchor, a motif borrowed from Hellenistic coinage. The star may have held religious connotations, perhaps referencing divine guidance or the priestly authority of the Hasmonean rulers, while the anchor symbolized strength, stability, and maritime power, likely reflecting the dynasty’s aspirations to regional influence and international trade, particularly through Mediterranean coastal ports.

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1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your coin will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

These coins can be found throughout the Middle East from both recovered hoards and the possession of private collectors who have collected and preserved these coins throughout history. Unlike many artifacts that deteriorate over time, coins are typically made of metals such as gold, silver, and bronze, which are highly resistant to decay. This durability has allowed ancient coins to survive for centuries, even when buried in the ground or exposed to varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the widespread use of coins during the medieval period, combined with the sheer number minted, has ensured that many examples remain in circulation or are discovered regularly.