Tiberius Issued a Tribute Penny

Historical Tapestry of Coins from the Bible

The ancient and medieval coins associated with the Bible carry within them not just the weight of currency but the echoes of historical epochs. As we delve into the numismatic treasured Coins of the Bible, we unravel a rich tapestry. Especially, of civilizations, empires, and religious shifts that have left an indelible mark on these tiny metallic artifacts.

I. Shaping the Cultural and Religious Landscape

During the time when Jesus Christ was in Rome, the Roman Empire was under the rule of Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius issued a Tribute Penny during his reign. In fact, the Tribute Penny has become significant not just in Roman history, but in religious history as well.

The Tribute Penny was a silver coin that was used to pay the annual tribute imposed on the Jews by the Romans. It featured an image of Tiberius on the obverse side, and the inscription "Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti Filius Augustus." Moreover, this translates to "Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus." On the reverse side is a seated female figure, commonly believed to be the goddess Pax, the personification of peace in Roman mythology. However, some historians believe that the seated female figure is a depiction of Tiberius' mother, Livia Drusilla. This is a subject of debate among scholars,