Kiddushin 11 - How Much Money is Needed for Kiddushin?

Beit Shammai required a minimum of a dinar for Kiddushin, a coin with silver content equivalent to 96 barley grains. What is their reason?

Self-esteem? - No, because then some would require more.

Is it because when Torah mentions Kesef (money), it means a silver coin? This withstands questioning.


Or is it because we compare a bride to a Jewish maidservant, who is redeemed by diminishing the price for years served, so she must start with a dinar? This also withstands questioning.

The law follows Beit Hillel, who requires only a minimal coin (prutah, about 5 cents).

Art: A Candlelight Scene: A Man Offering a Gold Chain and Coins to a Girl Seated on a Bed