drachma Summary and Overview

DRACH'MA , a Greek silver coin, translated "a piece of silver" in Luke 15:8-9, equal in value to a Roman denarius, or about fifteen and a half cents (wrongly translated "penny"). See Denarius.

The DRACHMA is different, it was a Greek coin which the Roman DENARIUS (translated unfortunately "penny" Revelation 6:6, a laborer's daily wages Matthew 20:2-9) superseded: Luke 15:8-9, "PIECE OF SILVER," Greek drachmee. (See PENNY.) The "penny," denarius, in metal was equivalent to 7 1/2 pence, but could purchase more than our shilling.