Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.57 g, 1h). Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.”

Description

Roman Empire: Tiberius (AD 14-37) – AR Denarius “Tribute Penny”

Mint: Lugdunum (Lyon)
Date: AD 18-35
Diameter: 20mm
Weight: 3.57 g
Axis: 1h
Condition: Very Fine (VF), lightly toned

Obverse:

• Design: The obverse features a laureate head of Emperor Tiberius facing right. The laureate crown signifies his status as a ruler, and a ribbon extends over his shoulder, adding to the elegance of the portrait.
• Legend: The coin typically carries the legend “TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS,” indicating Tiberius as the son of the divine Augustus and his role as emperor.

Reverse:

• Design: The reverse depicts Livia, the wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, personified as Pax (the Roman goddess of peace). She is seated right on an ornate chair with a footstool beneath her feet, symbolizing stability and peace. Livia holds a scepter and an olive branch, further emphasizing the themes of peace and prosperity during Tiberius’s reign.
• Legend: The reverse legend “PONTIF MAXIM” (Pontifex Maximus) refers to Tiberius’s role as the high priest of the Roman state religion, underlining his religious authority.

Historical Context: This denarius is famously known as the “Tribute Penny,” referenced in the Christian Bible in the context of Jesus’s teaching to “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). The coin’s association with this biblical story has made it one of the most iconic and recognizable Roman coins.

The coin was minted during a relatively stable period of Tiberius’s reign, after he had succeeded Augustus as emperor. Tiberius’s rule is often remembered for his capable administration but also for his later withdrawal from public life, leaving much of the day-to-day governance to his prefect, Sejanus.

Significance: The “Tribute Penny” denarius is significant both historically and religiously, serving as a tangible link to the early Roman Empire and its intersection with early Christianity. The coin’s imagery reflects the themes of peace and authority, central to the propaganda of Tiberius’s reign.

Conclusion: This AR Denarius of Tiberius, with its strong historical and religious connections, is a highly desirable piece for collectors and historians. Its well-preserved condition and light toning add to its appeal, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.

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