Some types are famous. Do you recognize this one? Denarius. 18 mm. PONTIF MAXIM This reverse type is famous because it is on the denarius type of emperor Tiberius often identified as the "tribute penny" of the New Testament. However, the Tiberius denarius is rarely found in Israel, which causes some authors to argue that it is likely not the tribute penny, prompting the question of which other coin might really be the tribute penny. I won't go further into that here. What I will do is show you the other side. When you flip this coin over it may surprise you. It's Vespasian! IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS. RIC 546. Struck in 73. RIC lists it as "C3", very common. The overwhelming publicity associated with the so-called tribute penny makes Tiberius leap to mind, but it is also common for Vespasian.
Of course my first guess was Tiberius. That is a very nice example of Vespasian, double chin and all.
That is a very nice example. The tiny face on the reverse figure is so well done it even looks like Vespasian!
Is that supposed to be Vespasian himself on the reverse? It certainly looks like a male figure much more than the one on the reverse of the Tiberius equivalent, which of course is supposed to be Livia.
RIC acknowledges that many authors call the Tiberius reverse figure Livia, but RIC itself does not commit and calls it simply a "female figure." Sellers have an incentive to call it Livia. The figure on the coin of @maridvnvm above looks male (and a lot like Vespasian). Members, post some Tiberius examples so we can see for ourselves!
Beautiful examples! Although the seated figure is male, the reverse indeed is strongly reminscent of the 'Tribute Penny' type of Tiberius. This is my Vespasian coin Vespasian, denarius RIC II 702, RSC 364. Rome mint, 74 AD. Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev. PON MAX TR P COS V, Vespasian seated right, branch in left hand, scepter in right. 19 mm 3,21 g And my ‘tribute penny’ ! Tiberius, denarius. RIC 30, RSC 13a. struck in Lugdunum, 36-37 AD. 3.7 gr. 19mm. Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right. Rev: PONTIF MAXIM, female figure (Livia?) seated right on chair with ornamented legs holding sceptre and branch, feet rest on footstool. This type is commonly known as the 'Tribute Penny,' the coin to which Jesus referred to when he was discussing paying taxes to the Romans, and said "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17).
I do not see how anyone could part with a pretty face like that one on maridvnvm's coin. Mine is ordinary.
When the wolf is at your door you will do a lot. I am glad I didn't have to delve into the core of my collection. It came close.
I always think "Why are we so sure it's Tiberius? It could just as easily be a coin of Augustus still in circulation." "And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
It sure is. Vespasian's moneyer's copied many antiquarian types from the past on his denarii. This type which echoes the 'Livia' reverse struck for Tiberius had to be altered somewhat, but it's still quite recognisable. This same 'Livia' type was also struck for Titus Caesar with a different obverse legend, which opened the door for a few rare mules. The ones struck for Titus of course would not normally have PONTIF MAXIM on the reverse! Titus as Caesar Mule AR, Denarius, 3.25g Rome mint, 73 AD (Vespasian) Obv: T CAES IMP - VESP CEN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: PONTIF MAXIM; Vespasian std. r. on curule chair, with sceptre and branch RIC 553 (R). BMC 112. RSC 158. BNC -. And the non-mule version, featuring Titus seated on the reverse. Titus as Caesar AR Denarius, 2.57g Rome Mint, 73 AD (Vespasian) Obv: T CAES IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: PONTIF TRI POT; Titus std. r. on curule chair, with sceptre and branch RIC 556 (C). BMC 116. RSC 169. BNC -. Acquired from CGB, May 2016.
Another giveaway is that Vespasian sits on a curule chair, unlike 'Livia' on the 'Tribute Penny' of Tiberius. TIBERIUS AR Denarius. 3.74g, 18.6mm. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, circa AD 18-35 (Group 4). RIC 30; Lyon 150. O: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; one ribbon on shoulder. R: PONTIF MAXIM, 'Livia as Pax' seated right on chair with ornate legs, holding sceptre and olive branch; feet on footstool; single line below.
A few years ago (perhaps 5 or 6 years ) I wrote an article on the "Tribute Penny" and at that time my sources indicated that no denarii of Tiberius were found in Israel up to that time. Tiberius Av Aureus. Obv Head right laureate. Rv. Pax seated right with ornate chair legs RIC 29 14-37 A.D. though more likely later in his reign 7.79 grms 18 mm Photo by W.Hansen
