Abstract
Ancient coins are ubiquitous items used by archaeologists, along with several types of
artifacts, for purposes of relative dating when excavating at ancient sites. Furthermore,
coins play an important role in gaining a better understanding the cultural milieu of the
first centuries of the Common Era, the period into which events and writing of the New
Testament fit. Some archaeologists are also numismatists, that is, specialists in ancient
coins. In writing this article the author has drawn upon his own years of work as a field
archaeologist and numismatist in Israel. This survey introduces the reader to the subject
of ancient Roman Imperial coins, Roman Provincial coins and coins minted in ancient
Palestine specifically for use by the Jewish populace. Examples of the importance of the
coins as both official, and unofficial, propaganda (as is the case with Jewish coins of the
First Revolt of the Jews against Rome, 66-70 CE.) are discussed. There is an analysis of
the coins that circulated in Palestine and the eastern Roman provinces into which early
Christianity spread. Special attention is given to those coins specifically mentioned in the
New Testament. Ethical issues concerning the removal of coins from ancient sites and the
collecting of them by individuals are also introduced. Finally, possibilities for presenting
numismatic information via the pulpit and religious education are addressed. To this end
the reader will find some resources for starting out in the field of ancient and Biblical
numismatics, and creatively applying that information for the edification of others.