Portrait sestersius of Tiberius
struck ca 12-14 AD by Augustus
(NFA auction ca. 1990)
Issued under Augustus ca 12-14 AD
Altar of Sanctuary of the Three Gauls in
Lugdunum (modern Lyon in France).
Tiberius silver denarius
VF condtion
this coin is referred to as the "Tribute penny of the Bible"
The coin at left was originally purchased as a VF ca. 1989. To see how grading standards have
changed since then, look at this one
to see a Tiberius denarius graded full EXF by a major US dealer.
Tiberius was Caesar from 14 - 37 AD.
Caligula sestersius Ascention issue issued 37-38 AD
(Nick Economopolis, ca. 1989)
Reverse - Caligula addressing the Cohorts. There were 10 cohorts (480 men) per Legion
Early on Caligula experienced life at a Legionary camp and saw that he owed his position
to the Roman Legions. Also I imagine that the discipline and patriotism of the Army also were gratifying & in
contrast to the depravity and politics of Rome.
When Caligula ascended to the throne he omitted the usual "SC" (Senatus Consultum) on the bronze coins and showed
his respect instead for the Army. Unfortunately he soon developed a brain fevor which left him unstable early in
his reign.
Caligula was Caesar from 37 - 41 AD.
Claudius As
barbarus issue, (VF)
(Frank S. Robinson)
reverse: none
Claudius was Caesar from 41 - 54 AD.
Nero Caesar sestersius (EF)
(Y. Hafietz: Superior Auction, 1989)
reverse
Nero was
Caesar from 54 - 68 AD. He was the original party animal although he meant
well. He kicked his pregant wife Poppea to death (well 1 kick: but she
still died) because she was nagging him about coming home late from the
chariot races. D.Vagi's book states that Nero truly loved Poppea & it
was just a temper tantrum. Anyhow the great fire occured in Rome during 64
AD (date?). I understand that no bronze coins of Nero were made before the
fire so this piece was made after 64 but before 68.
Nero went on a big
art/party tour of Greece & when he returned he had lost popularity.
The Senate (I think) declared him a public enemy and he committed suicide
as he heard a calvary troop coming to imprision him and no doubt put him
thru a painful death. His coinage does show a high degree of artistianship
although he debased the silver slightly to pay for all his stuff.