This humble bronze coin, known to history and scripture as the “Widow’s Mite,” was minted in Judea between 135 and 137 B.C. under the rule of John Hyrcanus I, one of the early leaders of the Hasmonean dynasty, also known as the Maccabean Kings. Though small in size and face value, it holds enormous historical and spiritual weight.
The name “Widow’s Mite” comes from a well-known passage in the New Testament (Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4), where Jesus observes a poor widow offering two small coins at the Temple. Though monetarily insignificant, her gift was praised as being greater than all others, as she gave all she had. This coin became a timeless symbol of humility, faith, and sacrificial generosity.
These prutot were among the lowest-value coins in circulation in ancient Judea. Often crudely struck and worn from heavy use, they typically bear simple yet iconic designs—most commonly a star with eight rays and an anchor, sometimes accompanied by Hebrew or Greek script reflecting the cultural intersections of the region. Despite their modest appearance, their connection to biblical teaching has made them highly sought after by historians, collectors, and people of faith alike.
This example has been certified and graded Choice Very Fine (CH VF) by NGC, one of the most respected third-party grading services in numismatics. It retains solid detail and pleasing surfaces, with visible imagery that links directly to the coinage used in the time of the Second Temple.
Owning this Widow’s Mite is like holding a passage of scripture in your hand—an authentic artifact from ancient Judea that speaks not just to history, but to enduring spiritual truths. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a student of biblical history, this piece offers a rare and meaningful connection to the ancient world and the enduring message of selfless giving.
* all coins are NGC certified CHVF (135-137 B.C.) *
