Summary

Silver Denarius struck under the Emperor Tiberius between 14 and 37 AD, Ancient Roman Empire. Minted by Lugdunum. Lugdunum was the principal precious-metal mint under Tiberius and this, the 'Pontif. Maxim.' coin type was the main design struck. Production both of gold aureii and silver denarii with this design continued throughout Tiberius' reign (AD 14-37) with only slight modification - the chair, for example, seems to become more decorated with the passage of time. The female figure seated on the reverse has been identified as Livia, wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, both of whom held the pontifex maximus position, but this identification is unclear, she could also be Pax, or simply a priestess.

This type of coin is widely collected as the Biblical 'Tribute Penny', the type of coin shown to Jesus when he asks to see the coin with which tribute to Rome would be paid, after being asked if it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar. Pointing to the head on the coin he answers "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's". The term 'penny' for the coin is a normal old translation into English, the short form of the denomination 'penny' was 'd' an abbreviation of denarius.

Obverse Description

Laureate head of Tiberius facing right; around, TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

Reverse Description

Female figure seated facing right on chair with ornamented legs, in her left hand she holds a long vertical sceptre (worn) and in her right a branch; around, PONTIF MAXIM

Edge Description

Plain

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