Originally denoting a standard weight, the stater became the name for various coins struck in gold, electrum, or silver across the Greek world. The silver stater equaled four drachmas or two didrachmas. In Matthew's account, Jesus directs Peter to find this exact coin in a fish's mouth—sufficient to pay the temple tax for both of them, since the tax was one didrachma per person. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' sovereignty over creation while honoring temple obligations. The coin's precise value makes the miracle specific rather than generic provision.