In ancient Greek times, a small copper coin of little value, or the generic term for copper or brass in ancient metallurgy.
From Greek 'chalkos' (copper, bronze), referring to both the metal and the currency made from it in ancient Mediterranean economies.
The chalkos represents an interesting moment in economic history—it was so common and worthless that Jesus referenced it when teaching about generosity, making it the 'penny' of the ancient world.
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