Tiberius

Tiberius was the stepson and adopted heir of Augustus, a competent but reluctant emperor. An accomplished military commander before his accession, his later reign was marked by increasing suspicion and reliance on the Praetorian Prefect Sejanus, culminating in his withdrawal to Capri.

Tiberius demonstrated that the Principate could survive the transfer of power from its founder. His denarius, the so-called Tribute Penny, connects Roman numismatics to the New Testament and remains one of the most collected ancient coins.

Key Events

6 BC Retired to Rhodes in voluntary exile

4 AD Adopted by Augustus as heir

14 AD Accession following the death of Augustus

19 AD Death of Germanicus under suspicious circumstances

26 AD Withdrawal to Capri, ruling the empire from there

31 AD Fall and execution of the Praetorian Prefect Sejanus

Coinage

Tiberian coinage is notably conservative, with a limited range of types compared to Augustus. The denarius bearing his portrait is widely identified as the biblical 'Tribute Penny' referenced in the Gospels, making it one of the most culturally significant Roman coins.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

Tribute Penny (PONTIF MAXIM denarius)
Divus Augustus Pater commemorative
Carpentum sestertius for Livia

Common Reverses

PONTIF MAXIM DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER CIVITATIBVS ASIAE RESTITVTIS TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS

Active Mints

Rome Lyon (Lugdunum)

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading