Mina

Mina (in Greek μνᾶ, A.V. "pound"), a weight and coin which, according to the Attic standard, was equivalent to 100 drachmae (Plutarch, Solon, 16; Pliny, 21:109) or Roman denarii, i.e. (estimating the average value at the time of Christ) about $16. It is the sum named in the parable of Lu 19:13 sq., where the amount of 100 mince is therefore some $1600. On the other hand, the mina mentioned in 1 Macc. 14:24 (comp. 15:18) is a weight, and (as being originally equivalent to the Heb. shekel) it may be reckoned at 8220 Paris grains (Bickh, Metrol. Untersuch. page 124); and the sum of 1000 mince of gold would then amount to about $16,910. SEE MONEY.

Different from this is the Heb. maneh (מָנֶה), originally likewise a weight, but used of the precious metals, and hence ultimately determining the value of coin. The word has perhaps an etymological connection with the Greek mina. SEE METROLOGY.

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.