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Larry Dyke “THE OFFERING”

Inspired by Mark 12:41-44 

“The inspiring Bible story of the widow and her two mites is a parable that has come to mean ‘total dedication’. The same phrase can be used to describe Larry Dyke’s commitment to his art. In this spirit American Masters Foundation is proud to combine the art of Larry Dyke with a first century mite to produce a unique collector’s opportunity. Larry Dyke’s new limited edition, “The Offering” depicts a widow, with Bible in hand, on her way to church. Whether on a pilgrimage to offer her faith, service, or possessions, this woman expresses both the humility and strength of simple faith. Each print in this new limited edition will be accompanied by an authentic mite, a coin from the time of Christ. Each complements the other, linked by the scripture passage which titles the print.

These coins, many over 2000 years old, were unearthed at the site of ancient Biblical cities in the Holy Land. They were purchased through the archaeological department at Criswell Bible College which worked with the Hebrew University in Tel Aviv and coin experts in Jerusalem to gather for us the largest collection of mites ever assembled. The oldest bronze mites were coined between 135 and 37BC. They were also coined in the time of Herod the Great (37-4 BC), Herod Archelaus (4BC-6AD), and continued during the time of the Procurators (6-31AD), which included the coins of Pontius Pilate. These small ancient coins were circulated for decades, as opposed to the short circulation period of current coins, so inscriptions in some cases are barely legible. The mite is one of only two coins mentioned by Jesus in the Bible, which gives it special significance. Each coin is a treasure in itself. Combined with the art of Larry Dyke, it becomes the ultimate keepsake.”