Ancient Judean Widow's Mite Cross, Sterling

Ancient Judean Bronze/Copper Widow's Mite (Prutah) Coin Cross Pendant Circa 103 - 76 B.C. Obverse: Upside Down Anchor within Circle BASILEWS ALESNDPOY (means of King Alexander) Around. Reverse: Star of Eight Pellets Surrounded by Diadem. Ruler: Alexander Jannaeus; Mint: Judaea; Country: Palestine. Framed in Sterling Silver Cross. Certificate of Authenticity

Dimensions, 1-5/8" long x 1-3/8" wide, 1-7/8" drop

The Widow’s Mite was minted in the holy land over 2000 years ago during the reign of King Alexander Jannaeus in the century preceding the birth of Jesus. What makes these coins of great historical and religious importance is that twice in the bible - Mark, 12:41 and Luke, 21:1 - Jesus is quoted telling the story of the poor widow who gave all that she had which was just two mites. These coins are an actual part of the historical record - a unique, ancient artifact that was handled and used in the market stalls by villagers, desert traders, holy men and Roman soldiers alike in everyday transactions.