New testament coins

A fascinating topic!

During the time of the New Testament, coins were an essential part of daily life in the Roman Empire, including in the regions where Jesus and the early Christian church operated. Here are some interesting facts about coins in the New Testament era:

Coins in the New Testament:

  1. Roman coins: The Roman Empire introduced its own currency, the denarius, which was widely used throughout the Mediterranean region. The denarius was a small silver coin, equivalent to about one day's wages for a laborer.
  2. Tribute coin: In Matthew 22:17-21, Jesus asks the Pharisees about the tribute coin, which was a Roman coin used to pay taxes to the emperor. This coin was likely a denarius or a similar silver coin.
  3. Widow's mite: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commends a poor widow who gives two small copper coins, known as lepta, to the temple treasury. These coins were worth only a fraction of a denarius.
  4. Penny: In Matthew 5:26, Jesus mentions the "penny" (Greek: kodrantes), which was a small copper coin worth about one-sixth of a denarius.

Coins in the New Testament era:

  1. Denarius: The denarius was the standard silver coin in the Roman Empire, used for everyday transactions. It was minted in Rome and featured the image of the emperor.
  2. As: The as was a bronze coin worth about one-quarter of a denarius. It was commonly used for small transactions and was often used as a token or a small change.
  3. Copper coins: Copper coins, like the lepta mentioned in Mark 12:41-44, were used for small transactions and were often used as a token or a small change.
  4. Coins with images: Coins in the New Testament era often featured images of the emperor, gods, or goddesses. The use of images on coins was a way to promote the emperor's authority and the Roman Empire's power.

Collecting and preserving coins:

  1. Coin hoards: Coins were often buried or hidden away as a form of savings or as a way to preserve wealth during times of economic uncertainty.
  2. Coin collections: Coins were also collected and preserved as a form of art or as a way to display wealth and status.
  3. Coin minting: Coins were minted in various locations throughout the Roman Empire, including Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.

Interesting facts:

  1. Coin production: The Roman Empire produced millions of coins each year, with some estimates suggesting that over 100 million coins were minted annually.
  2. Coin circulation: Coins circulated widely throughout the Roman Empire, with some coins traveling thousands of miles before being spent or lost.
  3. Coin authentication: Coins were often authenticated by their weight, size, and image, as well as by the mint mark or the name of the emperor.

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts about coins in the New Testament era. Coins played a significant role in daily life, commerce, and even in the biblical narrative itself.