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Metadata
Object Name |
Tiberius CAESAR |
Object ID# |
MC 1147 |
Date |
42 BC-AD 37 |
Description |
Augustus' stepson, he continued the same policies of stability and peace. Retired to Capri in AD 26 and ruled from there. Although disliked by many Romans for his economy in government, he produced a generally excellent administration. He was designated as Caesar in the four Gospels. The so-called ‘tribute penny’, a day’s wage for a labourer, used to test Christ (Matthew 22:17-21). These denarii show the portrait of Tiberius on the obverse around which is the inscription TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS (Tiberius, Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus)—his image and superscription. On the reverse are the words PONTIF MAXIM (High Priest) which complete the titles of the Emperor, and within which is shown a seated female figure. This figure is probably Livia, the wife of Augustus and the mother of Tiberius, but it is thought by some numismatists to be a personification of PAX (Peace). It is almost certain, therefore, that it would have been a coin of this type which would have been handed to Christ at His request, and in consequence the coin has become widely known to this day as the "Tribute Penny". Ruled AD 14-37 |
Place of Origin |
Rome |
Medium |
Coin |
Material |
Silver shekel |
Metzger Location |
Roman Empire |
Location of Original |
The British Museum London |
Dimensions Details |
Diameter: 18 mm |