As part of our series of previews for the ancient coin section of the
August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction, today we are presenting a historical
and religiously significant piece. The iconic silver Denarius of Tiberius the
second Roman Emperor is widely known as the “Tribute Penny” by theologians,
historians and numismatists. In our preview we will explore the history behind
the design that was also used for gold Aurei (an example of tremendous quality
is our featured coin this week).
The obverse depicts the right facing head of Emperor Tiberius wearing a
laurel crown, surrounded by the legend: “TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVTVS.” This
inscription was imperative to the transition of power in the early Roman
Empire. This title enforces the adoption of Tiberius as Augustus’ heir. In the
early months of his reign Tiberius deified Augustus, and established himself as
the son (albeit adopted) of the deified first Roman Emperor. The reverse design
depicts a female figure (commonly assumed to be Livia, Tiberius’ mother). Livia
is depicted as Pax, the Roman deity for peace. The reverse inscription states:
“PONTIF MAXIM” and refers to the title of Pontifex Maximus, a title held
successively by the Roman Emperors and signified the absolute religious
authority held by the Roman Emperor. The title is still in use today, but it
now refers to the Roman Catholic Pope, rather than the autocratic ruler of a
martial Mediterranean empire.
This coin figures prominently in one of Jesus’ many parables, in which
hostile questioners tried to trap Jesus on the issue of whether or not Jews
were subject to Roman taxation. The inquisitors cornered Jesus, and asked him
the provocative question about the taxation of the Jews, to which he responded
by asking the questioners to produce a suitable coin for the taxes. The Greek
text describes the coin as a “denarion” and Jesus than asks whose image and
titles appeared on it, to which they replied “Caesar’s.” Jesus retorts: “Grant unto
Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.” Theologians
have taken this to mean that a healthy respect of the physical government and
authority in necessary in addition to their religious devotion.
We are still accepting consignments for our August 2017 ANA Auction
through late-May. We are also accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian
coins and currency for our August 2017 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. In addition,
we are taking consignments of world and ancient coins as well as world paper
money for our January 2018 New York International Auction. Time is running
short, so if you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency
(whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our
consignment directors.
