DENARIUS (Greek, δηνάριον):
By: Joseph Jacobs, A. Porter
Roman silver coin, which derived its name from its being at first equal to ten asses; later this number was increased to sixteen. From the second century
In the English versions the word is rendered "penny"; and it was in this coin that payment was made by the Jews of the civil tribute to the Roman emperors. The coin bore the effigies and titles of the reigning monarch; hence the reply of Jesus to the Pharisees (Matt. xxii. 17-21).
In the Talmud the denarius is identified with the zuz and reckoned to be worth one-fourth of the holy shekel, or a half of the ordinary one, and equivalent to 4 common selas, 4 sesṭerces, 6 obols, 24 asses, or 192 perutas or widow's mites. See also Money; Numismatics.
- Madden, Coins of the Jews (vol. ii. of Numismata Orientalia), pp. 291-292;
- Zunz, Z. G. p. 539.