In the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire had a three-metal monetary system. The most valuable coin was the aureus, which was made of gold and was worth 25 denarii. Silver denarii were the next most valuable coins, followed by bronze sestertium and lepton coins. Greek coins, such as drachmas and tetradrachmas, were also in circulation and had the same value as denarii.
As priests in the Jerusalem temple only accepted temple tax in this type of currency, moneychangers around the Temple offered their services to convert foreign money into this type of currency. The coins used in Jesus' time were not only valuable but also had a symbolic meaning. The aureus was associated with wealth and power, while the denarius was associated with justice and fairness. The sestertium and lepton coins were associated with humility and charity. These coins were also used to pay taxes, which was an important part of life in Jesus' time. The coins used in Jesus' time were not only valuable but also had a symbolic meaning.
They represented different values that were important to people living during that period. The aureus symbolized wealth and power, while the denarius symbolized justice and fairness. The sestertium and lepton coins represented humility and charity. These coins were also used to pay taxes, which was an essential part of life in Jesus' time.
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