Coins have not changed much throughout antiquity. Yes, they are made from different, more durable materials now, but they are still etched with depictions of their civilization, whether that means the profile of George Washington or the profile of Emperor Nero or the profile of a lion, the symbol of ancient Babylon. Following the course of time from Abraham to the Crusaders, Ancient Coins through the Bible chronicles the history of various locations mentioned throughout the Bible and presents photographs of ancient coins minted in these cities. Though we cannot see those ancient civilizations or the way they lived, these tangible bits of the past speak abundantly about them. As you view these fragments of history, imagine you are traveling with Abraham to Canaan and Paul to Spain. Experience the biblical stories visually through the coins depicted instead of simply reading them, and better understand the lessons taught by God's Word.

The 45th Anniversary Edition of The Handbook of Biblical Numismatics is greatly expanded from the original 1976 book, and features over 150 coins in full color, 20 maps, and over 50 Biblical quotes. Readers will also find enlarged photos of small coins and estimated coin values by Ira Goldberg. While it is still easily read by the novice, it also contains the latest theories of experts in the field on controversial subjects like the bud (pomegranate or poppy?) appearing in between double cornucopia on Hasmonean coins, the vessel (chalice or pot of manna?) and budding plant (pomegranates or Aaron's rod?) on First Revolt Shekels, the star (Bar Kochba = "Son of the Star" or the golden candelabrum donated by Queen Helena) above the Temple on the sela issued during the Second Revolt, etc. The coins mentioned in the New Testament also receive attention ― the Widow's Mite, Tribute Penny and Thirty Pieces of Silver. Chapters are generally preceded by expert maps, and cover the Maccabees/Hasmoneans, Herodians, Prefects/Procurators, First Revolt, Judaea Capta, Second Revolt, etc. Readers will also learn about the Herodian Kings of Armenia, the Jewish Princess Salome, and the connection between Cleopatra and Judaea. Appendices include Ancient Hebrew Coin Inscriptions, The Holy of Holies on Ancient Judaean Coins, Roman Tenth Legion Counterstamps, and False Shekels. Noted collector and philanthropist Hon. Abraham Sofaer contributed this blurb on the Handbook's back cover: "Somehow, Mel has managed to provide a work that is succinct without being superficial; that summarizes all the important material rather than limiting coverage through exclusion; and that simplifies complicated issues without compromising their difficulties. In pulling off this achievement, Mel has provided a practical, take-along, guide. Every important period is covered, and every significant coin type illustrated. Rather than attempting to supersede other types of books, Mel gives us all ― collectors, scholars, and intelligent observers alike ― something to use anywhere to identify coin types and context, read inscriptions, and even have some idea of value. Even a novice will be able quickly to learn and appreciate this aspect of Jewish history, and the history of other cultures with whom the Jewish People have interacted. The Handbook is thus a must have for the tutored and beginner alike."

"The coins struck in ancient Judea between the fourth century and the second century represent a remarkable and readily available primary source of information about the history, heritage, and emerging culture of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Coins witnessed the return of Jews from the Babylonian captivity, the wars of the Hasmoneans with the Seleucids, the building and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the birth and ascent of Christianity, and the creation of Rabbinic Judaism. This sixth edition comes almost 45 years after the book was first published under the title Guide to Ancient Jewish Coins. In this edition the author has removed and added coins, updated texts to reflect current research, and attempted to improve the chronological nature of the listings. These changes required a new numbering system. Once again, I have used a numbering system that does not duplicate previous editions. A complete concordance with standard current references and previous editions is included"--

Does the Messiah have to die to pay for his people's sins? Is the cross of Jesus an atoning sacrifice? In recent decades a burgeoning number of theologians have answered the aforementioned questions in the negative. In fact some, like Rene Girard, have gone so far as to assert that seeing the cross as an atoning sacrifice undermines the very essence of the New Testament Gospels. While Girard and others following in a similar vein have offered provocative alterations to soteriology that no longer need Jesus's death to acquire forgiveness from God, does a bloodless atonement have biblical support? Does a nonviolent understanding of the atonement harmonize with the Gospels? This particular volume answers these questions with a fresh look at the Synoptic portraits of the Last Supper accounts. In them Jesus expounds upon the significance of his death by using the Passover symbols of bread and wine. More importantly, in these passages in the Gospels we find the fullest articulation of how Jesus's death benefits his followers. Holding a wealth of dense theological riches, these passages provide theological parameters that can inform contemporary soteriological development, especially that which appeals to the New Testament for its basis. Conversant with both biblical studies and contemporary theology, the work seeks to bring the best of both fields into conversation in productive new ways.

Vols. 24-52 include the proceedings of the A.N.A. convention. 1911-39.

Coins have long been a vital part of the discipline of classical studies of the ancient world. However, many scholars have commented that coins have not been adequately integrated into the study of the New Testament. This book provides an interdisciplinary gateway to the study of numismatics for those who are engaged in biblical studies. Wenkel argues that coins from the 1st century were cultural texts with communicative power. He establishes a simple yet comprehensive hermeneutic that defines coins as cultural texts and explains how they might be interpreted today. Once coins are understood to be cultural texts, Wenkel proceeds to explain how these texts can be approached from three angles. First, the world in front of the coin is defined as the audience who initially read and responded to coins as cultural texts. The entire Roman Empire used coins for payment. Second, the world of the coin refers to the coin itself – the combination of inscriptions and images. This combination of inscription and image was used ubiquitously as a tool of propaganda. Third, the world behind the coin refers to the world of power and production behind the coins. This third angle explores the concept of authorship of coins as cultural texts.

Vols. 24-52 include the proceedings of the A.N.A. convention. 1911-39.

After Jesus glanced at the temple coin, he said, “Render to Caesar.” This book’s title and theme are based upon Jesus’ command to give allegiance to both the state and God. Coauthor David Bentley is the historian-theologian who reads and translates the coins’ messages. Coauthor Brad Yonaka is the geologist-scientist who finds the copper, silver, and gold coins which are on display in nearly one hundred photo-figures throughout the text. Our God is represented by the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); his divine name has appeared on coins since biblical times. Even the most theologically astute readers will be surprised by our introduction of Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila as “tabernacle-makers” not “tent-makers.” Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, a few ancient Persian empires, the Islamic caliphs, and Qur’anic messages are present in this book. Each stamped their impressions on civilization. When Lincoln added “In God We Trust” during the Civil War, was it as Jesus commanded, a combination of honoring divine and governmental authorities? Or was it a counterfeit trust in dead presidents or self?