Description
A Roman Widow’s Mite-sized bronze coin likely refers to a small denomination of bronze coins that were used in the Roman Empire between 50 and 400 AD. The “widow’s mite” term is typically associated with a small coin mentioned in the Bible, though in the Roman context, the concept would refer to small-value bronze coins that were prevalent in this period.
Here are some key details about these small Roman coins:
Size and Denominations:
- Roman coins of this size were typically low-denomination bronze coins, often ranging from 1/32 to 1/64 of a denarius (the primary silver coin of the Roman Empire).
- These small coins were known as “minima”, or “smallest,” and were commonly used in day-to-day transactions for the lower classes.
Coin Types from 50-400 AD:
During this time, several types of small bronze coins were issued, and their sizes would range between 10mm to 15mm, with weights often between 1 and 3 grams.
- As: The as was the basic unit of Roman currency, and it became smaller in size and weight over time. During the early Empire (50-400 AD), it was typically copper or bronze and ranged in size but stayed relatively small in comparison to larger coins.
- Obverse: Often features a portrait of the emperor (such as Augustus, Trajan, or Constantine) or various deities.
- Reverse: Could include personifications of virtues like Pax (Peace), Victoria (Victory), or gods like Sol (Sun) or Jupiter.
- Sestertius and Dupondius: These were larger denominations but are still related to the context. Though not exactly “widow’s mite-sized,” these coins can sometimes be found in smaller forms and are related to the same timeframe.
- Follis: Later in the 3rd and 4th centuries, the Follis was a bronze coin issued in larger quantities. Still, small copper coins like the As remained common.
Notable Features:
- Obverse: Often features the emperor’s portrait, sometimes in profile or facing.
- Reverse: Many coins depicted deities or personifications of Roman virtues. In the later period, Christianity began to influence the designs, with symbols like the Christian Chi-Rho.
For example:
- A small bronze coin from the early 3rd century might show a profile of the emperor, with an inscription such as “IMP GALLIENVS” (for Gallienus) on the obverse, and a victory figure or a symbol of a god on the reverse.
