
Coins of the Bible
As I have mentioned in other Blog Posts, I have decided to collect Ancient Coins and more specifically, I have decided to begin by collecting coins that are discussed in the Bible. I just finished reading a book that I found helpful called Coins of the Bible by Arthur Friedberg.
This book contains replica coins from Biblical times so that you can easily identify the coins that you will be collecting for your personal collection. This will be a 6 coin collection and will include the: Widow's Mite, Gold Daric, Lepton, Tribute Penny, Shekel, and Half-Shekel. Even more interesting is that the author helps you to see just how each coin reflects the politics of the time.
This is a relatively easy read, it would take many hundreds of pages, far more than in this book, to present a comprehensive catalog of the coinage during this time in history, however, this book is a collection of concise but detailed information about the money specifically of biblical times, consisting mostly of those coins that would be most significant in the eyes of the Christian reader. What is further interesting is that you learn the stories behind some of the most famous coins of the Bible from the Widow's Mite to the infamous thirty pieces of silver. You discover the historical and cultural details of the lives and times of the ancient peoples of Biblical days.
If you are interested in learning about Ancient Coins from this particular era, then I would recommend reading this book. This is a great introduction to Ancient Coins and a relatively easy collection to put together. The Widow's Mite, Lepton, Shekel, and Half-Shekel is relatively inexpensive, while the Gold Daric and Tribute Penny are pricey, depending on their condition, but, it certainly is fun to think that you have a collection of coins that circulated about 2,000 years ago and may have been held by Jesus or his disciples. Enjoy!
Comments
CentSearcher
Level 5
I have seen that book here and there, but sometime I should go ahead and get it. Nice pickup!
TheNumisMaster
Level 5
I loved this... I have the actual examples of some of these coins, and as a Christian, I love the history behind them as well and the biblical significance. Cheers, NM
coinsbygary
Level 5
I already own a nice widow's mite. This book and this series is of great interest to me. Thank you for sharing.
thisistheshow
Level 4
Thank you for the review. Biblical coins, while not yet part of my collection, are one of my interests.
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
A considerable amount of people collect coins of the bible, and this book is quite popular. I am glad to see you found an informative book about this subject that helped you.
Longstrider
Level 6
Thanks you for your review. I have seen others recommend this book too.
PastorK7354
Level 4
I just ordered this book. It will be a great addition to my library! Pastor Greg
NumisMATist
Level 4
Wow! It is one thing to own a coin and appreciate its beauty, but it is another when you can own a coin, appreciate its beauty, while at the same time understanding and connecting to its history. What is a better way to connect to the history of a coin than a coin that was in the bible? Cool book and set. Thanks for the blog.
World_Coin_Nut
Level 5
This is a popular area to collect. I hope you enjoy assembling your collection.
The MoKe
Level 6
Sounds very interesting and accessible, maybe a copy in our library system? Keeping my fingers Xed. Thank You for the wonderful review.
Ancient Collector
Level 4
The ultimate book on biblical coins is David Hendin's Guide to Biblical Coins. The book has gone through five revisions over the past 25 years. David has worked closely with archeologists, numismatists and historians to continue to keep this book up-to-date with the latest finds and research findings. At $85 it is not really a book for the dilettante, but for someone with serious interest, it is a Must Have. I don't really collect this era or area, so I usually dither around about buying a copy. Then just as I am ready to buy, David comes out with a new revision, full of new findings, and unfortunately at a higher price (just due to inflation) and I am back to the dither stage again. At the price, I can buy something on Anglo-Saxon coinage and history, my real love. But if the coinage and history of the ancient Middle East is your interest, don't waste your money on anything less than Guide to Biblical Coins.
RPSeitz
Level 4
Thank you for the recommendation. I just purchased this book from Amazon. I love to read all that I can on the subject.
RPSeitz
Level 4
Outstanding!!! I will look for this book. I really appreciate the thoughtful advice.
"SUN"
Level 6
Money Of the Bible by Kenneth Bressett is a book worth adding to your library. Between the two books, I like Mr. Bressett's book.
RPSeitz
Level 4
I just ordered it from Amazon. Thanks, again.
RPSeitz
Level 4
Thank you! I will get it. I appreciate the recommendation.
Liberty Walking Half
Level 5
Hmmm, looks like a nice potential addition to my numismatic library....
PastorK7354
Level 4
Going to order this book for my library. Thank you for this blog.
Mike
Level 7
I bought my widow mites on a web page Coins of the Bible. . Some were very expensive because some have Jewish writing. And very clear. Graded by NGC. I thought of buying ancients until I saw how many and I couldn't pronounce the names.. The truth of that no matter what magazine or auction there are hundreds of them advertised. That is a great book It will tell you exactly what you want and need for your collection. Thanks for breaking down so nice and easy to read. I appreciate that thanks. Pat
"SUN"
Level 6
A fairly good book. It is in my library.