Alexander Janneus, nephew of Simon and Judah Maccabee, minted this bronze prutah. He became ruler of the Jews in 103 BCE Jannaeus was a symbol of his time, young and ambitious leaning towards the Hellenistic culture which is reflected in his coin.
About the coin history: Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor wi