135-37 B.C. Maccabean Bronze Widow's Mite G/VG

In the Book of Mark 12:41-44, Jesus tells the parable of a poor widow who gave all she had - two Mites - to the temple treasury. Her offering, probably all her worldly wealth, was more valuable in the eyes of God than great sums given by rich men. Mites, or Lepta, were thin, bronze Jewish coins adorned with fruits and grains. Graven images on coins were forbidden by Jewish law, so these coins were the only kind accepted by the temple.