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Tiberius. AD 14-37. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 10h). “Tribute Penny” type. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Group 4, AD 18-35. TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, laureate head right, one ribbon on shoulder / PONTIF MΛXIM, Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding scepter in right hand and olive branch in left, feet on footstool; ornate chair legs, single line below. RIC I 30; Lyon 150; RSC 16a; BMCRE 48-60; BN 28-31. Superb EF.
From the PLZ Collection, purchased from Antiqua.
There is perhaps no more collected, and more available, coin of the twelve Caesars than the “tribute penny” minted by Tiberius. Struck for almost the complete duration of his reign with only minor deviations to the reverse details, this denarius type is found in many collections not just for its twelve Caesars importance but for its biblical association.
Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give. But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, "Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it." And they brought it. And he saith unto them, "whose is this image and superscription?" And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus, answering, said unto them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 12:14-17). Since Tiberius was the reigning Caesar at the time this famous incident took place in Jerusalem, it is widely assumed the "penny" (a James-era English translation of "denarius") in question was a silver denarius of Tiberius.
The coin offered here has a spectacular portrait in a realistic portrayal. As such, this is a very desirable type for this issue which more often comes with a rather bland image of the emperor.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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