Judaea, Alexander Jannaeus Bronze Prutah — “Widow’s Mite” Biblical Type, NGC-Certified

The Alexander Jannaeus “Widow’s Mite” Prutah (103–76 BC) is one of the most emotionally resonant and biblically connected coins in ancient numismatics. Struck under the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Jannaeus — known in Hebrew as Yehonatan, High Priest and King of Judaea — this small bronze prutah represents the very type of coin traditionally associated with the Gospel account of the Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4). Authenticated and encapsulated by NGC, it provides collectors with a tangible link to the world of the Second Temple period.

The obverse typically features an anchor within a circular border, a symbol that may reflect maritime trade, stability, or Hellenistic influence. The reverse shows an eight-spoked wheel or star-like device, sometimes interpreted as representing cosmic order or an early symbolic motif connected to Jewish identity. The inscriptions appear in ancient Hebrew script, affirming the Hasmonean authority.

As a prutah — one of the smallest bronze denominations in circulation — this coin would have been everyday currency for the common people of Judaea. According to the Gospel narrative, a poor widow donated two such small coins to the Temple treasury, and Jesus declared her offering greater than that of the wealthy because she gave all she had.

Minted during the territorial expansion of the Hasmonean kingdom, this humble bronze carries profound spiritual and historical significance. For collectors, it represents not wealth or grandeur, but devotion — a small coin tied to one of the most powerful moral lessons in the New Testament.

Note: Coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, not the exact specimen.