[Mickiel]

First century coins of Palestine were made of three metals, Gold, Silver and Copper. Christ refered to these three in Matt.10:9, when he said brass that means Copper. Many Greek and Roman coins have been discovered and are of importance to the Archaeologist because they preserve for us the likeness of dignitaries, temples and buildings. Christ used a coin of his day to illustrate points, Matt.10:29-31 " Are not two sparrows sold for a Farthing?" When things like this are spoken, we can then trace this coin down to a specific time in history which is relevant to the speaker.

Farthings are worth about one-quarter cent each. When the Herodians sought to trap Jesus reguarding lawful payments of taxes, they brought him a coin at his request. It was a Penny which contained the image and subscription of Caesar, Matt.22:15-22. They were Roman coins made of Copper. The " Farthing" was called " Quadrans", the penny was called " Denarius".

The " Stater" ( A piece of money) was the coin that Peter found in the mouth of a Fish, Matt.17:27. It was a Greek coin made of an alloy of Gold mixed with Silver, and was the temple tax for Jesus and Peter. The " Didrachma" ( tribute) was also a Greek coin, the value of which paied the Temple Tax for one person, Matt.17:24. The " Drachma" was the Greek coin lost by a woman in Luke 15:8, worth half that of the didrachma. The " Lepton" ( Mite) was a Greek Copper coin, the smallest of Palestinian coins, was worth 1/8 of a cent. This is the coin used by " The Widow" that Christ observed in Luke 21:1-4.

I have pictures of all these coins. You can see Caesars inscription, temples and buildings, and read inscriptions that are lettered. Much like we do our coins today.

Peace.