Widow’s Mite: Judean Prutah

Widow’s Mite: Judean Prutah. Bronze prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, King of Judaea, minted ca. 100 BCE (one coin included in set)

This type of small bronze coin is traditionally associated with the “widow’s mite” described in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. In the biblical account, Jesus observes a poor widow placing “two mites”- all she had - into the Temple treasury. While others gave large sums from their wealth, her offering was declared the greatest in spiritual value because it was given entirely from her poverty.

Coins like this prutah circulated in everyday life throughout Judaea during the late Second Temple period. They were extremely small, low-value coins used by ordinary people, including the poor and marginalized. In Christian tradition, the widow’s act became a lasting symbol of faith, humility, and sacrificial giving - valued not by amount, but by intent and devotion.

As a historical object, the “widow’s mite” connects the material world of ancient Judaean coinage with one of the most enduring moral teachings in the New Testament, reflecting how even the smallest currency can carry profound spiritual meaning.