The Widow's Mite (Alexander Yannai) Bronze Prutah

Alexander Jannaeus governed Judea from 103 to 76 BCE, expanding the Hasmonean Kingdom to the Mediterranean coast. To support this growing economy, he minted bronze prutot. These coins were the first in Judea to feature both Greek and Paleo-Hebrew inscriptions, reflecting a society influenced by Hellenistic trade but rooted in Jewish tradition.

Jannaeus was also the first Hasmonean ruler to declare himself "King" on his currency. This title, combined with his embrace of Greek culture and his role as High Priest, angered traditionalist Jews. This tension famously erupted during the festival of Sukkot in 90 BCE, sparking a bitter civil war.

"As he stood beside the altar and was about to sacrifice, they pelted him with citrons... and they added insult to injury by saying that he was unfit to hold office." - Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (1st Century CE)

Despite this unrest, Jannaeus's bronze coins became a staple of the Judean economy. Because of their high production volume, they remained in everyday circulation well into the first century CE. Functioning as the lowest denomination accepted at the Second Temple in Jerusalem, they perfectly align with the New Testament account of a poor widow donating her last two coins, earning them the enduring legacy of the "Widow's Mite."

"A poor widow also came and put in two small coins... For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood." - Mark 12:42-44