Hello! I bought this silver denar in Jerusalem a few years ago, in a shop owned by a serious and professional man (it seemed). I was looking for a coin old enough to have been handled by Jesus as written i Gospel of Mark, 12:16 ("“Whose likeness and inscription is this?”. Silver denars are not rare as those found are to be registered at the Museum of Jerusalem which give licence to sell those who are not of specific or important quality. This gave me assurance I was not to be fooled. Meanwhile I hope you could confirm whether or not this silver coin could be from around 0-30 AD? Who is the emperor? And what is the character on the backside? Yours truly, Lars L
Definitely not. As wcoins said, the coin was issued by Roman emperor Trajan, who ruled from Common Era 98-117. It sounds like you're wanting a coin which might fit the description of the coin in the "render unto Caesar" story of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, that type of coin is said to be a denarius of Tiberius, the so-called "Tribute Penny". There is controversy regarding which type of coin may have been the subject of that passage. Here's an article which will help you understand: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=tribute penny
Anytime someone comes with a story like that, I'd be immediately suspicious. ESPECIALLY from someone trying to sell stuff to tourists. That being said, still a neat coin I believe it is: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/trajan/Syd_189.jpg
During his ministry he had a treasurer within His disciples that handled the money. Even the fish handled the coins for Jesus! Matthew 17:24-27 ESV When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (I'm hoping my post is not taken as "religious" in content. I'm just trying to show what I have learned in my biblical studies)
The answer is more complicated that you may realize so I'll let Simon Whistler explain it in the video below. In short, BCE = Before Common Era and CE = Common Era, and they are equivalent to the increasingly outdated (pardon the pun) use of BC and AD. Wikipedia has a decent overview of the Dionysian calendar (BC/AD) versus the Common Era Calendar (BCE/CE): https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Common_Era
I agree that it is strange to use the Common Era thing and then try to determine if a coin could have been touched by Jesus. At least we should give acknowledgement to Before Christ and Anno Domini if a person believes enough to be looking for a relic of Christ.
If you think about it, any coin produced prior to Christ's death could have been handled by him. It would not have to be minted solely during his life. Thus, he could have just as easily handled a coin minted in 300BC as one minted in 10CE
Edited: Read rules There's not much difference between the two (as far as counting back in time) Edited (Btw I am a history professor, just for some background.)
All, please remember the rules regarding religious discussions. Facts are part of ancient coin, but when you get off of that angle, you are in difficulty as it is personal .
Desertgem, Could you clarify what wasn't factual? Why is explaining the difference between BC and BCE "religious" instead of historical fact? Just wondering...feels like censorship.
I understand the rule. If this was directed to me I just want to clarify that my statement was purely a fact according to my studies. I wasn't preaching or forcing nor defending my belief as an Evangelical Christian.. The OP did ask of this was a coin handled by Jesus.. He could of asked if it was a coin handled by Marco Polo or King Herod.. How else would we answer the question? Peace
Paddy, it was not directed to you, I said " religious discussions" where a reasoning was given as to why it was changed. That was discussion ....and yes Pawstruck , you can call it censorship if you wish, but if it is against the rules, and it would be regardless of any religious figure included. Jim
desertgem, The reason why BC was changed to BCE is a well-known fact in scholarly circles. Western Civilization has always measured time based on the life of Jesus. How is this a "religious" discussion? Just trying to understand how the rules are applied here.
What you posted above is not, but you seem to have forgotten part after that I removed about the reasons as you and perhaps others see it. The rules on discussion of religion, world events, and politics are applied aggressively .
That's really not plausible. Theirs are always found at the end of rainbows, & that's not an easy task!
